Let's Move

Holiday weekends are perfect times to get the whole family moving, especially on a nice weekend like the one we are expecting here in Elk Grove. Here are a few ideas for the weekend and every day to get moving as a family.

Let’s go!

A family bike ride is a personal favorite, but there are lots of other ideas too. Try a few of these for starters:

Hula hoop, jump rope, pogo stick, skip, climb a tree, hopscotch, jumping jacks, chinese jump rope...or pick an outdoor game to try in the toy section together.

Holiday events

Often holiday weekends feature events with built-in "movement." Walking a craft fair, participating in a local run or walk and having a neighborhood football game are some good ones. Check out the 5K/10K run, walk and kids event in Roseville this Monday.

Make a Target

Make a goal as a family to move 50 miles, or even 100. Each time one of you runs, walks, rides a bike or roller skates, write down how far you went on a list. Each person can log their own miles, but this is a team effort. When you reach your goal, do a special active activity together. Go to the water slide or bounce house, take a bike ride & picnic on the trail, try out a rock climbing place, etc.

Obstacle Course

This can be an indoor activity or an outdoor one. Grab a few household items and get creative. Show the kids how to do it first, then take turns. Hop over a box, walk a tight rope made of string, hopscotch (painter's tape comes off the floor or carpet inside easily), toss a ball into a laundry basket, crawl under the table (cover it with a blanket to make a cave)—you get the idea!

Habits

Make activity part of each day. Bike to school, take a Sunday stroll, walk the dog each evening, meet family friends at a park to play. Be sure to make your own fitness needs a priority too and explain why you need to take time to go to the gym, go for a run or make it to a fitness class.

Be a great example; they will follow.