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In my ongoing effort to never underestimate and, as often as possible, incorporate the simple, I’ve learned that exercise doesn’t have to involve a trip to the gym. Not having the time, money, or inclination to invest in a gym membership isn’t a valid excuse for doing nothing. (And y’all, I am saying this a reminder for me as much as it is for you!)
There are TONS of things to do!
Here’s a quick (and by no means exhaustive) list of fun activities that’ll allow you to get off the couch, burn those calories (especially if you have losing weight or getting in better shape this year as a goal) and enjoy some quality time with your kiddos – from tots to teens!
1. Go for a walk. The age of your child(ren) will, of course, determine the speed and distance of your walk, but the fresh air, sunshine, and movement will still “do a body good”!
2. Ride bikes. You can actually buy a bike with a big, cushy seat. Praise the Lord!
3. Hula hoop. You’d be surprised at how many calories you can burn while hooping. Bonus points: It’s also good for the soul…I’m pretty sure it’s impossible to hoop without laughing! (Go ahead, ask me how I know!)
4. Dance. I have made use of this countless times in my own kitchen, much to the amusement of my kids… Candy’s daughter is continually cracking us all up while reminding our over-thinking, analytical selves to “Stop thinking so hard. Just dance!”
5. Go swimming. This one’s my favorite! Burning calories while having fun with the kids AND without breaking a sweat…yeah, that makes me happy. Whether it’s laps or Marco Polo or another game, it’s all good!
6. Play backyard games. You remember them…chase, ring-around-the-rosie, monkey-in-the-middle, freeze tag, hide and go seek, and the list goes on…
7. Play some water games. Run through a sprinkler. Have a water gun or water balloon fight. Being chased with a loaded water gun or water-filled balloon can really put some pep in your step!
8. Build a backyard obstacle course. It’s easier than you think and there’s lots of room for creativity.
9. Jump rope. This one’s self-explanatory, but I would add a word of caution to our older more mature readers: Go pee before you start jumping. (Don’t ask me how I know ’cause I probably won’t tell you.)
10. Play a game of ultimate frisbee. This ain’t your grandma’s version of frisbee! Check out the rules and how to play the game here. Of course, you can always fudge the rules a bit to make it work for your crew if you have younger kids and less than the needed number of players, but you’ll still be working up a sweat.
This post is part of a fun summer learning blog hop organized by Rachel at YouveGotThisMath.com. Following the links in each post in the series will give you even more great ideas for summer learning! Next on the list, check out this post from Eva Varga: Aquatic Science: Pond Studies,
We’d love to hear your fun ideas for staying active with your kids. Feel free to share them in the comments section!
After five children I’m not even going to attempt #9, but swimming is right up my alley and we plan on doing loads of that this summer! Great list!
I would probably have to pee before doing most of those. It’s all good, it happens. 😉 Great list, kids need to get outdoors more these days.
Thanks for sharing!
Jumping on the trampoline is another one I enjoy. But definitely pee before that one too. And don’t ask how I know that either.
I was on the trampoline with my kids a few days ago and was reminded of that too – but don’t ask me how I was reminded! 😉 Ahhh…the joys of getting older. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this list on the Art of Home-Making Mondays. It also gave a few smiles this morning 🙂 It just goes to show that we can exercise the old fashioned way without fancy gyms and expensive memberships!
Great list! I’m stopping in from the TGIF Linky Party, and I will definitely be pinning this to my board for great fitness ideas you can do with your kids. I used to love jumping rope when I was a kid… I should give that a try again!
Yay! I’m so glad you stopped by. And, definitely get a jump rope…You and your kids will have a blast!!
Your post has been featured on “Link Up Love” for the Art of Home-Making Mondays this week! Thank you for joining us and please link up again next week. You will find your feature in link below 🙂
http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.com/2014/06/ode-to-summer-link-up-love.html
Have a wonderful weekend! ~ JES
Awesome! Thanks you so much! And, I’ll definitely be “seeing” you next week. 🙂
Great list! I’m glad I’m not the only one concerned about peeing though! 😉 I will be pinning this when I’m stumped for ideas (which happens often these days!). Thanks for sharing!
Hahaha! You are definitely not the only concerned about that. Most folks just aren’t willing to talk about it. 🙂 I hope you’ll stop by tomorrow and join us for our weekly link-up, Coffee and Conversation!
~ Candy
Great suggestions! Pinning!
Stopping by from the Hip Homeschool Hop 🙂
Hey just popped over from 3GLOL. What fun ideas. I have been looking for some good things to get myself and my kids more active.
So glad you stopped by and found some ideas you can use! We host a link-up every Wednesday and would love to have you share some of your posts. 🙂
Thanks for linking up to Teach Me Tuesday last week. You are very much appreciated!! Hope to see you again this week! http://3glol.net/2014/09/15/teach-tuesday-21/
Have a great week!
Love this! I am always looking for ways to stay active! 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing this at Making Memories Mondays! 🙂
Cathy
What great ideas you have, thank you for sharing them with us at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings
Really interesting ideas. I haven’t thought about these things.
As a busy mom, I know I’m always on the lookout for activities that serve “double duty”! I’m sure I’m not alone in that, either…
Sometimes ya’ gotta get creative – lol!