Children of course need plenty of high intensity exercise every day to stay fit and support their growth and development- but it should never feel like a chore. So many of us as adults have a negative attitude towards exercise, and see it as something we ‘have’ to do to stay healthy. When actually, it can (and should!) be enjoyable and genuinely fun. If you instil a love of exercise and movement into your children from a young age, hopefully this is something they’ll take with them into adulthood. Here are some fantastic, enjoyable family activities that kids can get a great workout, but that actually feel like a treat!
Trampoline Parks
Trampoline parks are great for burning off energy, all of that bouncing burns massive amounts of calories and works the muscles and cardiovascular system. The perfect occasional weekend activity that your kids will look forward to and come out of hot, sweaty, exhausted and well-exercised!
Roller Blading/ Ice Skating
Rollerblading and ice skating is fantastic for the legs and core, it improves balance and again is genuinely fun. Lots of venues have special events like roller and ice discos for kids at weekends where they can skate to music and meet new friends and generally have a blast.
Dance
There are so many styles of dance out there that you’re bound to find one that your kids enjoy. Maybe you have a little girl that aspires to be a ballerina, or a teenage boy who wants to be a street dancer (or perhaps it’s the other way around which is great too!) Dance is incredibly inclusive and can be started at any level. Go and check out the event space at your local studio and find out what classes are available, it will improve coordination, fitness and could ignite a passion for movement in your kids.
Soft Play
If your kids are younger then soft play centers/ play barns can be a great way to let them burn off some energy. They enable them to climb, swing, jump and run in a safe environment, and unlike outdoor parks they’re inside which is ideal when the weather turns bad over the winter. As a bonus for you, you can sit and relax and have a hot drink and watch them play!
Parks
Regular parks are great when the weather is nice, climbing frames, hopscotch, running around and ball games are ideal for working the cardiovascular system, using muscles, perfecting balance and so much more. Best of all they’re completely free and you probably have at least one within walking distance from your home.
Swimming
Finally, swimming doesn’t need to involve doing laps to make it a worthwhile exercise. Going to the pool and having a splash around with family and friends, jumping in and being silly will all still be enabling them to move around and building up fitness in a fun way.
