Exercise means doing physical activities to stay fit and healthy. It includes things like playing sports, running, dancing, or even just moving around during the day. Exercise doesn't just help your body: It's also great for your mind. Regular exercise can help you sleep better, make you feel happier, and reduce stress. It can even help your brain work better and make you feel stronger emotionally.
Having a regular exercise routine is super-important for staying healthy, especially for kids and teens. With so much screen time these days, it's more important than ever to be active. Exercise helps build strong muscles and bones, keeps your heart and lungs healthy, and helps manage weight. It's also been shown to help kids feel less anxious or depressed. Plus, staying active lowers the risk of serious health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
Making a family outdoor exercise routine can be a fun way to stay healthy, spend time together, and enjoy nature. It takes some planning, commitment, and creativity to get started, though. Here are some tips to help your family begin this adventure.
The first step is to set a regular schedule for your outdoor activities. Pick specific days and times, and write them down on a calendar that everyone can see. This can be a calendar on the wall or a digital one that you share with the family.
Letting kids get ready by themselves is an important part of growing up. After a few weeks, they'll learn the routine and know what's expected. This not only helps them become more independent but also makes things easier for parents.
Exercising outdoors as a family is a great way to stay fit and have fun together. You can choose almost any activity that involves moving around. Think about what everyone likes to do so that the whole family stays excited and involved.
Where you are can help decide what kind of exercise to do. Some of the best activities use what's around you, whether at home or in a park. You don't need fancy equipment to get a good workout.
For example, you can use things you already have at home. Chairs can be used for step-ups or triceps dips, and stairs can be great for a cardio workout by climbing up and down.
Outdoor games are more than just fun; they also help you stay active and healthy.
Tag is one of the easiest and most exciting outdoor games. You only need some open space and a few friends to play. One person is "it" and tries to tag the other players. There are lots of different ways to play tag, like freeze tag or team tag.
Hopscotch is a classic game that mixes exercise with skills like counting and balancing. Players toss a small rock onto numbered squares that are drawn on the ground with chalk, then hop through the squares on one foot or two. It's great for coordination and balance, and you can get creative by making different patterns.
Capture the Flag is a fun team game that helps you think strategically and work together. Players split into two teams, each with a flag in their territory. The goal is to grab the other team's flag and bring it back to your side without getting caught. This game builds endurance, agility, and planning skills.
Ladders are often used to help athletes get faster, quicker, and more agile. They're also a fun way for kids to stay active. To use a ladder, lay it flat on the ground and take turns doing exercises like high knees, quick feet, or sprinting through the rungs.
Going to the park can turn into a great workout without even trying! Playgrounds are perfect places to exercise because they have lots of equipment for different activities. Some parks even have outdoor fitness machines or workout stations that make exercising easy and fun.
Family relay races are a fun way to get moving, work as a team, and enjoy some friendly competition. Most tracks are 400 meters around, making them great for relay races. To start, gather your family and choose a baton: It can be anything, even a stick. Then, place your runners around the track. You can either set starting points or let each person pick where they want to begin.
In fall and spring, many groups host fun runs, which are community events that get people moving and interacting. Most fun runs are 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) or 10 kilometers long. Some also have shorter races, like 1-mile runs just for kids, or longer ones for experienced runners.
Being outdoors has lots of benefits for your body, mind, and social life. Spending time in nature helps you stay active by encouraging activities like walking, hiking, and playing outside.
Being in nature is also good for your mind. It can lower stress, make you feel happier, and reduce anxiety and depression. Many people find that spending time outside helps them feel calm and relaxed, an idea called "nature therapy."
Outdoor activities are also often done in groups, which can help you build friendships and connect with others. Sharing time in nature with friends and family strengthens bonds and builds a sense of community.
Kelly has been a CPSI-certified playground inspector for several years. Her passion for play and attention to detail bring immense value to every playground she brings to life, and with her years of experience, every playground she visits is made better for her having been there. In her leisure time, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family.
