The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans say that kids and pre-teens need a total of 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Raking in these 60 minutes everyday can be fun, too! Use this as a time to get the whole family up and moving. Here are a few quick ways to do just that.
- Walk the walk. Instead of watching TV after dinner, take a walk with your family. It doesn’t have to be far or long, but make sure you get outside and let your meal digest while you stroll. If it makes life fun, bring bikes, scooters, roller skates and the dog, too -- anything that brings a smile to your party on the go.
- Strike a pose. Try yoga to improve your family’s flexibility. There are family-friendly instruction cards with adorably illustrated yoga poses, illustrated books for kids and DVDs on yoga for families designed to guide your group through Tree Pose and Warrior Pose. Don't get hung up on whether the kids are doing the moves right, or even doing all of them at all. Let them imitate you the way they want to. Chances are you'll be amazed at their flexibility.
- Chip in with chores. Make chore-time fun! Use your imagination to create a game out of everyday tasks that your kid would love. It can be for anything -- as long as it gets your family up and moving!