It can be a challenge to work fitness into your parenting routine along with everything else. And I can't be the only one who yawns just thinking about a treadmill. But we all know how good it feels to have those endorphins rushing, and it's proven that a regular habit of getting your heart rate up does a lot for your overall mood, energy level and health -- as well as keeping your family healthy!
There are numerous ways to be active, and this post highlights just a few fun ways Royal Oak parents can keep fit. Would love your suggestions, too!
Backyard Obstacle Course
This is a fun activity you can adapt to any age! Take anything you might have lying around -- wading pool, folding chairs, swingset, etc. -- and arrange the items in your yard. Give an example run-through to your kids, set a stopwatch, and get them going! (Of course to get the benefit yourself, you'll need to jump in, too!) Your littlest ones will need a lot of help, and any older kids can get involved in the setup. You can make this as simple or as complicated as you like, even offering "prizes" at the end -- a fun idea if you have time in advance would be to use colorful duct tape or computer-printed labels to create custom water bottle labels. There are a ton of fun inspirations for an obstacle course on Pinterest as well.
Walk the Zoo
According to the Detroit Zoo's FAQ page, it's a 1.7 mile trip down the main pathways -- longer if you veer off onto smaller paths. With the zoo open late on Wednesdays this summer, take advantage of the cool(er) evening weather to get the whole family out for a walk!
Hit the Field
If you have a child between ages 4-9, the City of Royal Oak Parks & Rec is offering what sounds like a really cool activity called Kid Kicks. Kid Kicks is a parent-child soccer clinic with the following format: "A warm up game is played each day. Then special skills are taught to both parent and child. Fun games are played to enhance the skill. At the end of each daily session both parent and child play a soccer game together." Kid Kicks will be held July 15-18 at Worden Park's soccer field and costs $65 for one parent/child team (with a charge of $20 for each additional child). More details in the Royal Oak "Insight" newsletter (go to page 3)
Go Up the River
This one is a little outside city limits (unless we can figure out a way to get the Red Run flowing again, but any folks on Vinsetta might take exception!), but totally worth it. Head up to your favorite local river or lake and try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). All it requires is a paddleboard, paddle and some balance. SUP is appropriate for any age where the child can stand, balance, navigate, and listen to directions (and be swim-trained). Of course, it's recommended to wear life vests. My little guy isn't quite balanced enough, so my husband will take out a kayak with our son and I'll paddle alongside. If you don't have access to a paddleboard/paddle that you can borrow, rental places are popping up around the area. We've had great experiences with Great Lakes Surf Shop in St. Clair, just 20 minutes away from Lake St. Clair Metropark. They do lessons, rent out boards, and sell equipment as well. SUP is awesome for your core, and a great way to get some time on the water!
What are your favorite ways to keep fit with your family?
