FOREVER YOUNG
THE FAMILY GROOVE'S FITNESS GURU LORI SAWYER GIVE US 10 WAYS TO HAVE FUN AND
GET FIT WITH YOUR KIDS
 
Did you ever wonder why those kids at the park just run and run for hours? The answer: it's fun. They have no idea
they're doing the whole health and fitness thing. To them it's not even exercising—they're just playing. Just when does
physical activity go from play to punishment?

This fall is a great time to get the whole family into exercising as a way of life—a way of life that is fun, healthy and
absolutely necessary. There are tons of fun ways to get your heart rate pumping, keep your kids healthy and shed
some pounds. Bring out the kid in you again by spending some quality exercise time outdoors with your family.

1. Run On
Whether it's relay races or an old school game of tag, give 'em the run around with this ultimate heart smart and fun activity. Want an even better workout? Head to the beach. Running in the soft sand will really burn calories

2. Tag You're Wet
While you're at the beach try some tag in the surf. Running against the resistance of the water just up to your ankles or calves is a great way to work those leg muscles. Just make sure it's safe and you're kids can handle it.

3. Say What?
Why not play a game of  Simon Says? Get creative with your version by making everything you say fitness-related (jumping jacks, push ups, lunges).

4. Toss Up
Throwing a ball with your children will develop shoulder arm, back strength and really work the core. It will also help your kids with coordination and can serve as a nice backdrop to conversation. 

5. Take It Higher
Indulge the family in the spirit of competition with a jumping contest. See who can jump the highest or the furthest. Or try a jumping jack contest—just be sure to let the little ones win every now and again.

6. Pick a Winner
Take your kids apple or peach picking and lift them up to pick the fruit. Your shoulders will thank you later.

7.Take a Hike
This is the natural way to enjoy the outdoors, explore nature and spend some time with the kids. There are tons of great family-friendly hiking trails across the country. So go for a hike, pack a picnic and get back to nature and good health.

8. Joy Ride
Search out some biking trails or paths in your 'hood. Spending a morning or an afternoon two-wheeling it around with the whole brood will create memories that will last a lifetime.

9. Get Hip on the Hop
Remember Hop Scotch? Oh, we all loved it, didn't we? Set up your board on your front walk, just like to old days, and jump in and out, side to side, and back and forth. Not only will you have loads of fun, but you'll develop coordination, balance and get your heart rate up.

10. Jump, Jump
Yup, jumping rope is one of the best ways to get your heart rate up and build leg strength. So dig deep into the back of your mind for all those playground jump rope songs, take the whole crew out to the driveway because you might as well jump!

When you teach your kids to love fitness, you give them the gift of life all over again. So take some time this fall to exercise—uh, I mean, play—with the people you care about most. The memories you make will have lasting effects on their hearts, minds, bodies and souls.

For any questions about this article and/or previous articles, contact
Lori Sawyer, MA, ATC
Certified Athletic Trainer
Owner of LS-Fitness and Mommy-Moves! At
732.539.7711,
lori@ls-fitness.com
www.ls-fitness.com, www.mommy-moves.com.

Photo by Suzanne Fogarty.
Suzanne Fogarty has been involved in photography for over 20 years. After having her two children, she decided to open a studio, moving gradually from the traditional wet darkroom to digital over the course of several years. She's absolutely passionate about capturing the timeless simplicity of a child's world, the tenderness of parenthood, and the beauty and power of pregnancy. She offers private sessions in studio or on location, as well as commercial, wedding, and stock photography. For more information, go to  www.suzannefogarty.com or call  360.708.8033