Make Exercise Fun This Summer

By Kelly Turner on July 23rd, 2009

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The great thing about kids is they know how to have fun. Give them a rock and a piece of string and they can entertain themselves for hours.  The trick to getting your kids to exercise, is to make sure they have fun while doing it.  And why not? Fitness should be fun!

Next time your kids are cooped in the house watching TV, here are some great ways to get them up, off the couch, and getting in their exercise.

• Encourage them to go on a scavenger hunt. Make a list of common things found in the neighborhood and send them on their way. Tell them to bring each thing back individually and the first person to being back all their items, wins. They will be running all over the block, again and again to find the items and win. If you are not comfortable letting them roam the neighborhood, set it up in your back yard, but make a bigger list to keep them moving.
• Go on a bike ride, hike or nature walk. Try going different places you haven’t been before. Research areas close to home on the Internet, and let your child pick the location. If they have a say in where you go, they will be more excited about the trip.
• Play some good old fashioned games. Red Rover is always a favorite, as well as tag or freeze tag, capture the flag and hide and seek.  They are tons of fun, and will keep your kids running for hours.



• Make an obstacle course in your back yard. Use things like jump ropes, old tires, and bikes to make different obstacles. First place gets a prize!
• If your kid is a video game junkie, encourage them to play video games that get them off the couch. Wii, WiiFit and Dance Dance Revolution can’t be played without getting up and moving.  These are perfect for a rainy day or a family fun night.
• Encourage your kid to exercise with you! Pop in a fitness DVD and have them join in. Not only will it get them moving, but having them see you exercise will set a great example.

The best thing about these ideas is you can join in as well! Just because we are adults doesn’t mean we are stuck in a gym for our workouts. Go out, get active, and have a great time with your kids this summer.