Keeping the Kids Fit

As a kid my friends and I loved to hop on our bikes and ride around the neighborhood or hit the pool in the dead of summer. In the fall, we'd toss the baseball with our dad or rake a huge pile of leaves to jump in. Little did we know that all this fun was actually good for us! As we become parents of our own, it's important to make sure our kids are staying active too. This can be easier if you live in a suburban environment with sidewalks and yards, but what do you if you live in a place like New York City or London where apartment dwelling is the norm?

The number one rule of exercise is to make it fun! Start getting active with your kids when they are young so it becomes part of their daily routine. If everyone is having a good time, what's not to love? Here are some great ways to get started that everyone can enjoy.

Family outing to the playground - Challenge your child to a how high can you go swing contest. You'll laugh together in delight and get an ab workout too! If you feel like cooling down in the heat wave, some NYC playgrounds offer sprinklers which we know is always fun for kids.

Check out your community center for classes - Some places offer Mommy and Me yoga sessions or you can find a family bike riding club. There is something out there for everyone's budget, but the YMCA offers everything from camping to scuba diving and doesn't turn anyone away. 

Head out to watch your local sports teams - Whether is baseball, soccer or volleyball you're child will get interested in the game and find some stars to identify with. Best of all, toss, kick or spike around the ball before you head out so that your child starts to understand the ins and outs of the game.

Swimming at the local pool - If you don't have room set up a sprinkler in your backyard, then check out what your local neighborhood has to offer. Swimming lessons get everyone in the pool and once your child progresses; you can hold races and time each other.

Image: Tina Phillips / FreeDigitalPhotos.net