Keeping Your Kids Active While They're Out of School

By Brandi Goodman 

School-aged children get to have gym class, participate in sports, do activities outside for certain classes, and get other opportunities for fitness throughout the week. With your kids now at home, many of these opportunities are missed. You need to find ways to keep your kids active while they're out of school so they can maintain their physical health.

Take Family Walks

A walk is a great option for exercise. You get to improve your blood pressure, enhance your bone density, maintain weight, and boost your mental health all with a simple walk. Family walks can get everyone involved and ensure you and your kids are getting the exercise, plus the bonding time, you need.

Go for a Bike Ride

Riding bikes is a common childhood activity. It's also ideal for adult fitness because of the balance that works the abs and pedaling that works the legs. You and your kids can go for a bike ride together for your fitness time. A short ride around the neighborhood will suffice if you have young ones, or a ride out a bit farther may be better if you have older kids really looking to explore.

Encourage Help In and Out of the House

You should encourage your kids to do chores and help both inside and outside the home. Any sort of physical activity like this can burn calories, increase heart rate, and promote well-being. Vacuuming may be a chore for older children while sweeping with a smaller broom works well for younger kids. You can have them help you wash your car, plant flowers in the garden, rake leaves, and even mow if they're old enough.

Get Them Dancing

Dancing really burns calories and has you working up a sweat. Encourage your kids to get up and dance by playing their favorite songs and dancing yourself. Even the Fortnite dances your teens enjoy that may seem silly are at least getting them up and moving. Encourage them to continue.

Use Equipment

Some equipment can be used by kids, especially those meant for outdoor use. Jump ropes are commonly used by children and make for excellent physical activity. You can use chalk to create a hopscotch board, have your kids swing, and even use stationary bikes inside.

Fitness is an important part of overall health. Keep your kids active while they're away from school so they can maintain their well-being. Lots of options exist for at-home fitness. 

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cary, N.C.