Original Article: https://centerforfamilymedicine.com/general-health/great-spring-activities-to-do-with-your-kids-to-get-lean/
Spring calls for action. Nature is waking up from hibernation and the world is starting to buzz again. Hiking, swimming, even gardening and cooking. These are some of the many activities adults can do with kids to involve the family and maintain fitness. Time to get moving.
Importance of exercise
Exercise is good for a healthy mind and body. The perfect way to unwind and keep the heart happy both. And the best part, everyone can participate. There is no limit on age, gender, or physical ability. Something simple such as doing the laundry can even double as a workout. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends 30 minutes of daily exercise for adults, and up to 60 minutes for adolescents. Exercise is cumulative and the more often it is done, the better the results.
Exercise has been proven to decreases risks of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Benefits also include: weight control, overall health improvement, mood boost, increased energy, sleep improvement, higher sex drive, and amplified social life. Spring and Summer is when people tend to become to most active. The weather just calls for movement.
1 Creating a garden
This activity is a win-win all around. Gardening will get families out into fresh air and sunshine. The movement can serve as a workout for the parents and tire out the kids. Also, fresh home-grown vegetables are more likely to get eaten.
2. Get cooking
Nearly 75% of a healthy physique is diet related. Choosing fresh veggies, fruits, and lean protein is a sure-fire way to lose weight. Involving the kids in the kitchen will encourage creativity and solidify positive eating habits for the future.
3. Washing the car
A car wash may not be much of a cardio workout, but washing the car is a fantastic leg workout. The kids may not be much help but will sure enjoy playing in the soap bubbles and pretending the garden hose belongs to a fire truck.
4. Cleaning the house
Household chores may be the lowest on the favorites list for kids, but can be easily turned into a light workout. Sweeping and vacuuming can burn up to 150 calories per hour. Picking up the laundry basket and turning from side to side can become a quick oblique workout. Window washing is now arm exercises. The house is basically a gym. The kids can even turn cleaning into a treasure hunt.
5. Flashlight tag
This fun game is a light-cardio workout that can double as a fun out of the box exercise to do with kids in the evening. The kids will shriek with joy and run around trying to tag one another with light beams.
6. Going on a hike
Hiking is a great way to explore the outdoors while getting a great cardio workout. A hike can also double as an education opportunity. Bring along a forest guide to help the kids identify safe plants/mushrooms/and berries.
7. Riding a bike
Bicycling is an all body exercise. Enjoyed by adults and kids alike, this is a great way to get the entire family up and exercising.
8. Bet on the net
Basically any game involving a net is a great cardio workout. From basketball to volleyball and soccer, these are fun cardio workouts the whole family can enjoy.
9. Tree-top parks
These types of parks are a full body workout that will drive the kids bananas. These take 2-3 hours to complete and are fun for all ages. Full of rope courses, Tarzan swings, and ziplines, everyone is sure to leave happy and exhausted.
10. Spending time in the water
Whether a lake, beach or pool, being in the water is another fantastic full body workout. The amount of games that can be played at the pool/beach is endless. Swimming and jumping and running will leave everyone feeling very happy.
Final Game Plan
Everyday activities such as cleaning the house and gardening can double as exercise for both parents and kids. Putting a fun twist on anything is a sure-fire way to keep the kids involved and parents happy. When it comes to exercise, kids, and spring activities, everything boils down to two words: diet and movement.
