Engaging Exercise Games and Activities for the Whole Family
In today’s sedentary lifestyle, finding ways to stay active as a family can be a challenge. However, with a little creativity and a sense of fun, parents can encourage their children to embrace physical activity. Marc Santa Maria, a vice president at Crunch Fitness, has come up with an exciting game called “exercise charades” that he often plays with his husband and 9-year-old twins. This game not only gets the whole family moving but also adds an element of laughter and competition. In this article, we explore this game and other creative ways to incorporate exercise into family time.
Exercise Charades: A Game for the Whole Family
The game of “exercise charades” is simple yet effective. Each family member writes down a few strength moves or yoga poses on scrap paper, which are then placed in a bowl. Taking turns, one person picks a move from the bowl and starts performing it. The rest of the family members copy the move and try to guess its name within 30 seconds. This game not only encourages physical activity but also promotes coordination and flexibility.
Creating a Race Circuit for Outdoor Fun
If the weather permits, setting up a race circuit in a park or open area can be an excellent way to get a run in while engaging your child’s competitive spirit. For example, you can challenge your child to ride a bike around a specific route while you perform crunches. Once your child returns, you can run the same route and try to beat your best time. The element of competition can make the activity more exciting and encourage your child to participate.
Sprints and Agility Training with a Twist
To incorporate sprints into your workout routine, head to a public tennis or basketball court with a bag of small, light items. With your child, run back and forth, moving the items from one end of the court to the other. You can give yourself twice as many items and time yourselves to see who finishes first. This activity not only improves speed and agility but also adds a playful element to your workout.
Running and Biking: A Dynamic Duo
Kids on bikes or scooters can serve as great pacers while you run alongside them. This activity allows you to bond with your child while also getting your heart rate up. Alternatively, you can alternate running and walking intervals together, mimicking how children naturally run. This combination of bursts of energy followed by brief periods of rest can make the activity more enjoyable for both you and your child.
Conclusion:
Staying active as a family doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Incorporating exercise into family time can be both fun and rewarding. Marc Santa Maria’s “exercise charades” game offers a creative and engaging way to get the whole family moving. Additionally, activities like creating a race circuit, incorporating sprints and agility training, and running alongside your child on bikes or scooters can make exercise enjoyable for everyone involved. By making fitness a part of your family routine, you not only promote a healthy lifestyle but also create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. So, grab a pen, a bowl, and some scrap paper, and get ready to have a blast while staying active together!
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