In the summertime, it’s easier for kids to be active. As school begins, staying active can be a challenge. There are many benefits to being physically active. Regular exercise helps children build strong bones and muscles, maintain a healthy weight, focus better on schoolwork and homework, sleep better at night, reduce stress, and build confidence. There are a lot of ways you can help your kids to be active. Here are ten ideas to encourage an active lifestyle:
- Take a family walk: When the weather is nice, enjoy a walk around your neighborhood. This gives you time to be active as a family and ask your child about their day.
- Go on a family hike: When you have more time, take the family to the trails or parks for a change of scenery . To find a park near you visit: https://www.visitmaryland.org/things-to-do/parks-nature
- Join a team: Has your child shown interest in a certain sport? Check out your county or city’s department of parks and recreation. Most recreation programs in Maryland offer income-based scholarships.
- Become a Physical Activity Champion: Volunteer to serve on the school wellness committee or share these ideas with school administrators and help to create an environment that supports physical activity throughout the day.
- Sign up for a free fitness class: Check with your parks and recreation department in your county for a list of their free or low cost fitness classes. Many offer regularly scheduled classes, such as family yoga in the park.
- Register for a run or walk: Be on the lookout for 5k runs, which usually offer a 2k or 1 mile walk/fun run route. These events are a great way for your family to be active with other members of your community.
- Find a school-based club: Enroll your children in after-school activity programs at their school. This could include traditional sports like basketball and soccer.
- Host an active playdate: when organizing playdates for your kids, try to include active games like running or jumping ropes for example. Have a scavenger hunt or an obstacle course set up for more fun.
- Move indoors: When the weather doesn’t allow you to be outside, move the fun indoors. Visit your local community center or create an obstacle course using furniture and pillows around the house. Or simply put on some music and dance to it!
- Follow a fitness calendar: Help kids unwind after school. Find a printable activity calendar for each month and place it on your refrigerator, or use a blank weekly calendar template and plan your own. This is a great way to help your family burn off some energy before getting started with homework.
It does not matter what activities your family chooses, what is important is that you find ways to get moving. Don’t forget that your kids look up to you and will be more likely to pick up a behavior that you already do. Show them that you lead an active life. Lead the family to the stairs instead of the elevator and find other ways to incorporate activity throughout the day. Enjoy being active together!
