FITNESS AUTHOR
Kara Reynolds
FAMILY, FUN, FITNESS n Looking to work out
with your kids this summer? Here are ways to stay fit as a family in the outdoors.
I
t can be hard to find time to stay active between the daily activities of a parent. Luckily, many tasks increase the time you spend moving around, but you may still be looking for ways to be intentional with exercise. Playing with your kids can be a great way to hit your movement goals and facilitate vital family bonding time. Getting your children involved will also help them develop critical skills and keep them active.
Why Head to the Park?
Parks and playgrounds have much to offer, with resources like playground equipment, sports courts and a pool. Some places even offer more amenities like a water park, dinosaur digs and train rides to keep your family moving all day. Also, since parks are public areas, adults can connect with others and children have an expanded group to play with.
JUNE 2022
Activities by Age
Consider your kids’ age and capabilities when choosing activities. Presenting children with challenges within their abilities helps them feel accomplished and builds self-confidence. AGES 2-3 Kids this age can walk and run. They’re learning balance and are developing hand-eye coordination. A good mix of structured and unstructured play works best for this age. Independent toddlers will want to create their own games, while others may want their caregiver’s guidance. Either way, joining their games and activities will encourage active behavior and give you a good workout. For this age, try:
70
• Pretend play: Act like your favorite animals — climb like a monkey, crawl like a caterpillar or hop like a bunny. You can also use the playground equipment and pretend to be pirates, knights, explorers or astronauts. • Follow the leader: Take turns leading one another around the park. The followers must do whatever the leader does. Get in some physical activity by jumping, squatting, balancing on one leg and running. • Free play: Lean into your child’s short attention span and just let them play. Following them from activity to activity will get your heart rate up. Push them on the swings, go on the slide with them and play chase.
