When you hear the words "working out", do you think of gyms, lifting weights and being stuck inside doing what basically amounts to drudge work? Happily, getting in a good workout doesn't mean being trapped indoors - you can get a fantastic workout outdoors, getting some Vitamin D, some fresh air and enjoying quality time with your family! Here are some wonderful ideas for family activities to do with your family, many of them non traditional ways to burn some calories. Help instill a love for the outdoors AND exercise in your children. Remember - the best way to lead is by example!
- Outdoor Fitness Boot Camp - readily accessible and easy to customize for all ages, an obstacle course can be a fantastic way to bring out the competitive spirit in family members of all ages. Create an obstacle course from hula-hoops laid in lines on the ground, a suspended rope to crawl under, a trike to pedal a few feet. You'll see sides of your family members that have gone undetected - did you have any idea that Grandma was so fierce?
- Swim Like an Olympian - do you have access to a pool? Swim laps, changing strokes each time you turn. Race your dad - or your son! Using flippers increases the resistance on your legs, giving you a fantastic workout!
- Bike Races - As simple as an easy ride, or as complicated as an obstacle course, biking is a fantastic way to raise your heart rate and enjoy the fresh air.
- Longboard Laps - Longboards are all the rage, and many of us don't really understand exactly how much core work goes in to directing one. Spend a few minutes trying to steer a longboard around a track and realize that, once again, your kids have mastered a skill that you in all likelihood, won't.
- Run and Roll the Hill - Are you near a hill? Large or small, kids have an innate desire to run up that hill and roll right back down. I've often run to the top with my kids and let them roll down while I jogged - seeing who could get to the bottom first. Running with a kite is also a great cardio boost.
- Roller Derby - Maybe you haven't worn skates since you were in grammar school. Maybe you are a roller derby queen. Lace up those skates with your family and visit a school running track - don't forget your helmets!
- Bubble Time - dont underestimate the fascination that very young ones have with bubbles. See who can blow the most bubbles, chase them down to catch, and repeat!
- Water Gun War - Give each member of the family their own water gun. Challenge them to hit targets, run to the next, hide behind bushes and soak their siblings!
Don't forget to stay hydrated with popsicles, ice water, Gatorade or other beverages - you'll work up quite a thirst outside.
What are some of your favorite ways to spend active time outdoors with your family?
We love being outside when it's nice out. We take family bike rides, hikes in the local parks, or just running around the yard being silly. You don't have to have expensive equipment or a gym membership to stay in shape.
I do have a gym membership, but I don't use it as much in the summer.
I love going for walks. There is a seldom travelled road across from our house that is exactly 1 mile from end to end. It is one of my favorite walks. I also like the walking trail at our park and walking at the G'burg military park.
Swimming is another activity I enjoy. I love to swim laps. My kids love to swim too, they just aren't into laps :)
We love taking long walks after dinner to different parks in our area. DD loves rollerblading, riding her bike while I run with the jogger, and we like to go swimming too. Were outside everyday for at least an hour if not more in the evenings and on my days off we try to spend most of it outside.
Now that the weather is good, we plan on playing A LOT of whiffle ball games. Every summer we play in the street. We live at the end of a cul de sac and not many cars go in. We've had tournaments and everything.
One year my husband bought these work lights that are hella bright. He bought them so we can have "night games". hahahaha
Our gym has 3 pools (1 indoor, 1 lap pool, 1 for families and kids). They also have a water structure/slide. We are there very often. We also live by a river.
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Football pre season?
- Carmen S
on Jun. 8, 2011 at 12:00 AM