The US National Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that kids ages 6-17 get 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day.
The bummer truth is—according to the US Physical Activity Report Card,—less than 25% of kids meet this standard.
It’s harder in the colder weather, I know. And when you add in the fact that all kids need to move, a lot, in order to be ready to learn, you've GOT to figure out some ways to get kids exercising, no matter what.
Here are a few ideas:
—Use tape to create indoor hopscotch on your floor.
—Create a mini obstacle course in your living room.
—Have a contest to see who can jump up and down the most times.
—Make them walk the dog.
—Go ice skating.
—And there’s always the classic Dance Party in the Kitchen—never goes out of style.
More ideas are here and here. And be creative, make up your own, and ask those smart kids for some ideas. Or try this quick, fun "Shake Break”—extra points if you put on a song with a great beat—which combines movement and mindful breathing:
Stand up tall.
Breathe in, and breathe out.
Breathe in, and breathe out.
Slowly, start to shake your arms.
Now start to shake your legs.
Shake your middle.
Shake your whole body!
Shake, shake, shake!
Faster, faster, faster!
Faster! ….aaaand STOP!
Freeze like a statue.
Breathe in, and breathe out.
Breathe in, and breathe out.
Do it again, as many times as you like!
Get in touch—let us know your ideas!