When adults think of working out, we typically envision weights, multiple reps of some sort of uncomfortable workout regimen or a bunch of, what seems to be, unnecessary cardio work. However, when you’re young, wild and free, exercise can be just as fun as playing a game of basketball with your friends. There are several exercises that kids can do without even realizing that they are working out.
What may seem like a bunch of work to an adult is nine times out of 10 viewed as the complete opposite with children. Listed below are some activities that kids enjoy without actually realizing that they are exercising:
Hide-and-Seek
•Yes a simple game of Hide-and-Seek, to an adult, may seem a little uncouth. Nevertheless, to a group of kids running around like chickens with their heads cut off, all in the name of chasing a friend is tons of fun. It builds their endurance, and to him or her they are having the time of their lives. Unbeknownst to them, they are working out and burning calories all in one.
Jump Rope
•As a child, we all loved to jump rope with our friends. But, never in a million years would we have guessed that jumping rope is said to burn at least ten calories per minute. Could you just imagine how many calories kids can burn with their energy levels? Jumping rope is a clever, yet incredibly smart way to get your child to exercise without actually letting them know that they are exercising.
Swimming
•Most kids love water, well swimming anyway. Don’t be afraid to allow your children take a dip in the swimming pool every now and then. Swimming is a great form of aerobic exercise. Not only will they have fun while doing it but they will also be using their muscles and exercising in the process.
Wrestling
•Another fun activity for kids is wrestling. More kids than you know are guilty of this little pastime; however, more so with little boys than girls. If I had to be honest with myself even as an adult I can say that I too am guilty of this pastime. I have wrestled with my kids and husband a time or two. Again, another way to get in exercise without even knowing that you are exercising. Little boys eat this stuff up! In their eyes, they are simply showcasing their muscles and strength, but little do they know, they are using just about every muscle on their body and exercising along the way.
Parent / Child Competitions
•What do I mean by parent/child competitions? Simple, just lead by example. Children usually look up to their parents, and there is usually something that a child, admires about their parent(s) and want to mimic. It starts at home. It could be just a simple walk around the block; maybe seeing who can walk the fastest. I am confident that turning the walk into a friendly foot race competition will give your child just the boost to get involved. Not only will they get their dose of exercise, but also enjoy and bond with you at the same time.
After all kids just want to have fun!
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