5 Ways to Get Moving with your Kids BY CHRISTY COUGHLIN
Take advantage of fall weather and get moving with your kids.
Whether they’re toddlers or teenagers, exercising together is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Not only will you both get physically fit, you’ll have fun while spending time together, and you may even learn a few new moves.
1. Walk Around Town
Walk your errands together. Return library books, mail letters, bring treats to a friend and take the dog along. There may grumbling, but a few minutes of brisk walking will turn things around. Younger kids can switch between the stroller and walking. Walking allows you uninterrupted time, whether they are 4 or 14. Add an after-dinner walk to your day and you, get a healthy way to end the day and give you time together.
2. Bike There
Biking is one of the best family activities, and it grows with your kids. They start in a seat behind you, graduate to a trailer, and eventually move to their own wheels. Pick a destination like a park, beach, or friend’s house. Bike to lunch and back on a Saturday with your teenager. It’s hard to text when your mom is biking 16 mph! Consider investing in a bike rack and spend the day exploring the city or participating in an organized ride. (You can also take bikes on the Metra during non-rush hour trains, but riders must be 12 years old and with a parent.)
3. Move Like They Do
Take a physical interest in her field hockey, soccer, volleyball, or basketball. Ask to learn a few moves or help her practice. She will appreciate your willingness to learn about her passion and it will allow you to get outside your zone and move! For younger kids, join in their dance parties, hula hoop contests, and games of tag. Your kids will love being active with you, and you will set the stage for future activities.
4. Try a New Sport
Golf on your bucket list? Suggest taking lessons together and then scheduling a few dates at the driving range. Sign up for a beginner yoga series and enjoy practicing together every week. (Interested in horseback riding? “Top 4 Horseback Riding Stables in the Chicago Suburbs”)
5. Take a Field Trip
Take a family hike in your local forest preserve to enjoy the changing colors. Pack a healthy lunch, load the car, and explore the numerous paths that meander through the woods, over streams, and under fallen trees. This shared experience in nature will teach them to love and appreciate outdoors adventure and leave them wanting more. (Check out our article: “Trekking West Michigan”)
Find the time to move with your kids. You might even consider recruiting them for a big garden clean up this weekend. Whatever the activity, silence the cell phones, turn off the TV, leave the computer and enjoy moving with your kids.
Take advantage of fall weather and get moving with your kids.
Whether they’re toddlers or teenagers, exercising together is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Not only will you both get physically fit, you’ll have fun while spending time together, and you may even learn a few new moves.
1. Walk Around Town
Walk your errands together. Return library books, mail letters, bring treats to a friend and take the dog along. There may grumbling, but a few minutes of brisk walking will turn things around. Younger kids can switch between the stroller and walking. Walking allows you uninterrupted time, whether they are 4 or 14. Add an after-dinner walk to your day and you, get a healthy way to end the day and give you time together.
2. Bike There
Biking is one of the best family activities, and it grows with your kids. They start in a seat behind you, graduate to a trailer, and eventually move to their own wheels. Pick a destination like a park, beach, or friend’s house. Bike to lunch and back on a Saturday with your teenager. It’s hard to text when your mom is biking 16 mph! Consider investing in a bike rack and spend the day exploring the city or participating in an organized ride. (You can also take bikes on the Metra during non-rush hour trains, but riders must be 12 years old and with a parent.)
3. Move Like They Do
Take a physical interest in her field hockey, soccer, volleyball, or basketball. Ask to learn a few moves or help her practice. She will appreciate your willingness to learn about her passion and it will allow you to get outside your zone and move! For younger kids, join in their dance parties, hula hoop contests, and games of tag. Your kids will love being active with you, and you will set the stage for future activities.
4. Try a New Sport
Golf on your bucket list? Suggest taking lessons together and then scheduling a few dates at the driving range. Sign up for a beginner yoga series and enjoy practicing together every week. (Interested in horseback riding? “Top 4 Horseback Riding Stables in the Chicago Suburbs”)
5. Take a Field Trip
Take a family hike in your local forest preserve to enjoy the changing colors. Pack a healthy lunch, load the car, and explore the numerous paths that meander through the woods, over streams, and under fallen trees. This shared experience in nature will teach them to love and appreciate outdoors adventure and leave them wanting more. (Check out our article: “Trekking West Michigan”)
Find the time to move with your kids. You might even consider recruiting them for a big garden clean up this weekend. Whatever the activity, silence the cell phones, turn off the TV, leave the computer and enjoy moving with your kids.
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