We have made it through the short days of winter and now we are into the longer days of spring, so why not add more physical activity to your family's day!!!
Increasing your family's activity can be quite simple, even when you are trying to balance jobs, school, homework, housework, etc. To start, monitor your family's daily activities for one week. Each week, add more physical activity into your family's routine. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Play a Game of Tag Instead of Watching Television
Tag provides fun and physical activity! Children love it especially if the can chase their parents. It also increases everyone's heart rate at the same time.
Start a Family Garden
Let all family members pick a vegetable, fruit or herb to plant, or multiple if you have the space. Share the duties of preparing the ground for plants or seeds. Gardening is a physical activity! Remember if you don't have the space for a garden, you can always use containers for a container garden.
Go Old School
Teach your children how to draw a hopscotch or four square courts on the sidewalk. Chalk can be a colorful and fun way to get some exercise in for the whole family. You can even have your children draw an obstacle course for the family to participate in!
Plan a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Pick up small nets and mason jars for kids to use to catch butterflies or interesting insects. Or make a list of items that can be found easily around the yard, and set a timer so everyone has to move quickly to collect all the items on the list (pinecones, round stone, leaves, wild flowers, etc.).
Go on a Hike and Picnic
Let your Children Lead!
Let the kids come up with some physical activities they would like for the family to try. Allowing them to chose activities empowers them to take control of their physical wellness!
Regardless of the activities you chose, making little changes can help everyone maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Start simple, the benefits of healthy eating add up over time, bite by bite!
Remember, being healthy includes healthy eating and physical activity!
