Play More – Laugh More

When is the last time you played so hard and had so much fun you broke a real sweat and couldn’t quit laughing? Yes, I’m talking to adults here. As adults if we remembered how to play (moving, sweating, laughing), and moved past our inhibitions to be childlike we wouldn’t have to exercise so much. When is the last time you saw an adult on a treadmill laughing?

Find activities you really enjoy such as tennis, biking, pickle ball, interval walking/jogging, golf (limit the cart riding), and you will forget you are getting valuable exercise while you’re having fun.

Parents must teach children the fun of keeping active. Children should have the privilege of being part of a very physically active and physically fit family. Everyone gets outside to play together.

Guidelines to keep in mind:

Adults need a minimum of 2 ½ hr/wk

Children need at least 60 min daily

PLEASE PLEASE do not use screen time as the babysitter!

Set specific activity times. Pick time slots throughout the week when the whole family is available and put it on the calendar. Try doing something active after dinner or take morning/evening walks on the weekends.

Include work around the house. Include kids in yard work and other active chores around the house.

Use what is available. Plan things that require little or no equipment. Examples: walking, jogging, jumping rope, playing tag, and dancing. Look in to your local community recreation center’s different classes.

Turn off the TV. Set a rule that no one can spend longer than 2 hours per day watching TV or using the computer (including adults). Instead of sitting in front of a screen, play an active family game, dance, or go for a walk.

Start small. Begin by introducing one new family activity and add more when everyone is ready. Take the dog for a longer walk or play another ball game.

Make it fun! When it’s time to celebrate as a family, plan a trip to the zoo, park, or lake to treat the family. SY