The future of school sports seasons seems to be in limbo and between working from home, remote schooldays, and minimal recreation activities, keeping the family active can be tough. Lack of physical activity doesn’t just leave your kids with boundless amounts of energy—it also hurts their physical health and well-being. Truthfully, the entire family can benefit from getting a little extra exercise throughout the week, especially when regular activities aren’t something you can safely engage in. Here are a few great ways to get your entire family up and moving from your trusted experts in physical therapy based in Aurora, CO.

Play Video Games

Ordinarily, video games aren’t the most active way to pass the time. Most players sit still during the entire gaming session, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. You can easily turn your kids’ video game sessions into physically active and fun times each day. Play with them and, rather than sitting still, get up and move with the characters on the screen. If the character is running, jog in place. If they jump over an obstacle, jump up, too. Over the course of an entire gaming session, you and your kids will have moved around and gotten your heart rates up enough to count as at least a short workout. 

Go for Evening Walks or Jogs

After a long day of both work and school, your entire family will likely feel a little stiff. Rather than spending the evening vegging out in front of the television, be active. When the weather is pleasant, start going for evening walks. Walk around the block at a brisk pace and if your kids start jogging, jog with them. This simple amount of physical activity can be enough to help you reach your fitness goals. At worst, you’ll work out the kinks and knots in your muscles and will help your kids burn off energy at the end of the day. Just make sure you’re dressing appropriately for the weather and are following local ordinances to help you and your family stay healthy and safe.

Pick up a New, Active Hobby

If you’re stuck at home, there’s no better time than the present to pick up a new hobby. Just make sure it’s an active one. Look for things you and your kids can learn to do together. Not sure where to start? These simple options are great ways to stay active:

• Juggling
• Dancing
• Hula Hooping
• Yoga
• Gardening

Think about what you and your family love doing most and find ways to expand your interests into more active pursuits. Remember, it’s okay if your new hobbies are challenging. Your mind can always use the workout, just like the rest of your body.

Talk to Your Kids’ Coaches About Zoom Practices

If your kids normally play on a school sports team or local community team but can’t right now, don’t give up. Talk to their coaches and see if they can arrange a video practice each week. During these sessions, your kids can run drills with their teammates without leaving the safety of your yard. Even better, your kids will feel like they got to hang out with their friends. This can go a long way toward helping you preserve a sense of normalcy in their lives. 

Get Them to Take Recess Each Day…and Join Them

When your kids are at school, they typically get at least one recess period during the day. This allows them to burn off energy and helps them stay focused during their classes. When they’re stuck studying at home, making sure they take their recess breaks just like normal is essential. It helps get them up and moving every day. If you can, take a recess for yourself and go play outside with them. This will get you active and moving during the middle of your work shift and can help you burn a few extra calories each day.

Pick up Some Basic but Fun Exercise Equipment

When you think about exercise, you probably picture going to the gym or spending hours outside running on a track. In other words, you picture some of the most boring activities out there. All you need to do is invest in a little bit of exercise equipment that the entire family can use and enjoy. These include mini-trampolines or rebounders, jump ropes, bicycles, and punching bags. These are tools that the entire family can use to burn energy and get fit without the experience feeling like a boring workout.

Take Active Days Off

Just because you’re spending more time at home than usual doesn’t mean you have to stay at home on your days off. Start planning fun excursions with your family around the greater Denver area. There are dozens of hiking trails, lakes, rivers, and outdoor attractions that you can enjoy safely while also being active. 

Have a Speed-Cleaning Challenge Once a Week

When you’re spending more time at home, it’s only natural that the house will get dirtier, faster. Instead of cleaning things once they build up, be proactive and active. Have your kids perform a speed cleaning challenge once a week. Whoever cleans their room fastest—up to your standards, of course—wins the right to choose a weekend activity or gets to pick dinner one night. You can even get in on the action by speed cleaning your office. Move as fast as you can while still doing a good job. You’ll get your heart rate up in no time!

Staying Fit Can Still Be Fun

Staying healthy and reducing your risk of needing physical therapy will improve your quality of life. But getting active doesn’t have to seem like a chore. You just need to think outside of the box. Keep these activities in mind and try them for yourself. They’ll get you and the rest of your family up and moving in no time. If, at any point, you end up getting injured or feel an old injury acting up as a result of your increased activity, contact us to schedule an assessment.