So, the summer holidays have arrived. Umpteen weeks for the kids to enjoy time from school. You should see the smile on my boy’s face. I guess I can remember those days…
I usually sign up for ”my little stinker” for summer school. They have so many outings and activities, and I don’t have to worry about what he’s doing.
This year, being a little older, he decided he knew best and would do his own thing—a couple of weeks passed, and the boredom set in.
”I told you so.”
Anyway, I detailed all this in my blog, Herbalife Florida, which helps readers learn the best health and fitness approach in the Sunshine State.
It was too late to join the summer camp, so I suggested doing some sports activities. The number of times children are glued to their phones, playing online games, or just lazing about it isn’t good. In our gadget-free childhood, we didn’t have to think about keeping fit and healthy because it happened naturally. Today’s children need motivation, and that’s why it is good for parents to encourage their children to engage in sports. It’s a great way to keep fit, too. See if you can get the kids running about without realizing they are burning calories!
Living in West Palm Beach, Florida, we are fortunate. We have many parks to choose from. Play in the backyard if you don’t want to travel further afield.
Here are a few tips that I follow with my kids:
Hop, skip & jump (or hopscotch if you like)
(3 – 7 years)
You will only get them involved in sport and fitness by making it fun with young children. It’s a great way to build strength and confidence and is important for socialization. Hop, skip & jump is important for motor skills. Why not add a little climbing, too? It was hanging on the monkey bars. Playing catch is fun and brilliant for coordination. Show the little ones how to keep that hula hoop spinning (30 seconds, not bad). Probably the most important thing is teaching your children to swim. Mixing a tuition session and their fun ‘n’ splash works well.
Teenagers – The Wonder Years
School holidays are a great time for teenagers to build fitness and conditioning. Did you know that many schools offer sports classes to learn new skills? Why not enroll in a junior lifeguard training course if they love swimming? I never learned to swim in my younger years, which I regret.
I am keeping fit and have life-saving skills. It doesn’t get much better, hey.
I know my son has enjoyed getting on his bike and visiting friends. It saves me from taking him in the car, and his fitness improves. It is good for independence, too.
Be Careful
Be sensible. At the hottest time of the day, it doesn’t make sense to do exercise. It will be much more enjoyable in the early morning or later that evening.
Make sure you use sunscreen, although a little bit of sun is good for vitamin D. too. Remember to take the sunscreen with you because you must reapply it throughout the day. Better safe than sorry! Wear a baseball cap, drink lots of fluids, and make sure(please) that you have a bottle of water at all times.
All sport is good for a cardiovascular workout. One of my favorite sayings: ”You don’t run the race to win – but finish well.”
Leaving the gadgets at leaving me seems impossible, but why not enjoy some family time without distractions? If you are walking on the beach and looking at your phone, take a moment to stop and consider it more important!
Why not plan for a day at the beach? Walking, playing ball, chasing seagulls, and a relaxing picnic with lots of healthy food.
Sounds like a great idea.
Bio: Marlene Rice is a fitness coach with over 20 years of experience working with clients across the United States. Based in West Palm Beach, Florida, she is a professional fitness consultant for counties in the Sunshine State. Please take a look at her website, Palm Beach Coach. If you are interested in losing weight, fitness, or motivation, contact Marlene@palmbeachcoach.com for further details.
