Fun tips and trick on how to stay active for the whole family
Physical activity is so important for children (and adults!) of all ages. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all youth aged 6-17 should be getting at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. Staying active is great for kids to stay healthy, strengthen and build bone density, improve cognitive performance, and improve memory! Regular physical activity for children also helps to promote lifelong health and wellbeing.
With the current quarantine situation and children being home from school and missing recess, it may be difficult to get 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Are you looking for ways to keep yourself and your child active during quarantine? We have some fun tips listed below!
Have a dance party! Play some of your favorite music and get dancing! Dancing is a great way to get your heart rate up and is fun! Get the family involved by having a dance contest and judging the best dancer. Let’s see those smooth moves!
Get outside! It is important to get some fresh air during these times. Go for a walk around the block, or stay in your driveway or backyard if you feel more comfortable. Draw with sidewalk chalk, jumprope, hula-hoop, go for a bike ride, or play your favorite sport. Have a backyard or a porch? It's a perfect time to turn it into your personal garden and get kids involved. Being able to go outside is a great way to stay active! Kids can run, walk, jump, anything they like!
Watch an exercise video! Watch a fun exercise video that incorporates yoga or strength activities like jumping, or dancing! There are so many websites and resources available that can help kids stay active.
Play active games! Play indoor games like balloon volleyball or balloon soccer, hide-and-seek, foot races, walking like a bear or a crab, etc! Make your favorite games or activities into physical activities!
Get creative! Make obstacle courses with furniture or pillows, make a racetrack outside using sidewalk chalk, play hopscotch or four square, or build a fort using pillows and blankets! It is so easy to get enough physical activity if creativity is involved. Ask your child if they have any fun ideas as well.
Overall, it is important to stay physically active even when we are facing quarantine. Staying active and getting exercise can be fun, even if we can’t go to the park! Follow these simple ideas and tips to help you and your children stay active. Following these tips will help you and your child meet the exercise guidelines and promote healthy habits. Stay safe, healthy, and have fun!
About the author: Courtney Depa is a dietetic intern at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she is earning her Bachelor's degree in nutrition. Courtney is passionate about clinical nutrition and the promotion and prevention of chronic disease, and enjoys discussing easy and fun ways to incorporate healthy eating.