How to Sneak Exercise Into Your Child's Life

Some children are naturally more active than others. Here are some tips to keep them going regardless of their usual activtiy level.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Purchase an exercise ball just like the one you see in the image above. Keep it handy, either out in the yard or even in the house. Kids naturally love to bounce and they will find a number of ways to play with a ball like this one.

2. 

   For some serious bouncing add a large trampoline to your backyard. This is a fun way to burn calories and friends love to come over to jump. If children are bored, let them put on a routine. See if they can do backflips or score their flips or jumps like a contest. Add some water and enjoy a fun activity in the heat of the summer. Remember safety first, get the safety net for your trampoline, and limint the number of kids that can bounce at one time.

3. 

   Be sure to have the age old swing set in your backyard too. Between swinging and sliding they will keep themselves fit.

4. 

   Add sports to the list. Encourage your child to try out sports and to select a sport each year. They will learn how to play on a team, get some exercise and create some lasting memories.

5. 

   Make sure they have a bike and scooter. Both are fun and give you a great workout.

6. Play outside with your kids. With a pick up game of baseball here and there, you may just be getting some exercise too.

7. Time their activies. Many kids love to see how fast they can do things. Time them running or riding.

8. 

   Tell them to go walk the dog. Both the family pet and your children will get their exercise. Even better have the whole family walk the dog.

9. Make a point to visit your areas parks. Some are better than others. Make a game out of deciding which one is the most fun to visit. Park visit are great, there is lots of children on hand for playtime, plenty of equipment to play on and it also free!

[missval7]

on 11/23/2009 Great, sneaky ideas! 5*

[soanyway]

on 10/31/2009 OH! congrats for being the eHower of the day!

[soanyway]

on 10/31/2009 Great tips for today! I remember playing outside until the street lights came on! So sad it's not like that today....could you imagine not knowing where your kid is all day! Back then it was a weekend occurance.

[godfather25]

on 10/9/2009 These are great ways to sneak exercise into your child's life.

[jenng]

on 10/4/2009 Great article on How to Sneak Exercise Into Your Child's Life 5*