by Kristin Prendergast

Created on: May 07, 2008   Last Updated: May 20, 2008

Turn Backyard Fun into Seemingly Effortless Exercise

With spring in full bloom, it is time to get outside and play with your family and friends. After a long winter, it seems like we cannot wait to get outside but this spring, even summer and fall, do not let it go to waste. Your family's outdoor activities can not only be fun, they can also be physically beneficial. Now you can turn an ordinary game into exercise with little effort.

With all the talk about today's youth being overweight, it is important that we each do our part and get our families up, out and moving. Believe it or not, this can be achieved without seeming like exercise. Today we will explore a few of your normal backyard activities and show you how they can impact your physical health.

One game that will increase your heart rate and provide a good workout for your arms, well at least one arm, is a game of horseshoes. You can purchase a horseshoe set and be playing virtually immediately. This is a great family activity and can be played by individuals or teams.

Another great activity is a good old-fashioned game of tag. It requires nothing but yourself and members of your family. You can even get your neighbors in on the fun. Tag gets you moving, causing your heart to pump faster, all while you are having fun.

For the next game you need some chalk and rocks from your yard. Hopscotch is our current game of choice. You would be surprised how hopping around and bending over on one leg can build up your leg muscles as well as help with balance. In order to balance you must use your core muscles, those located in your stomach or trunk area. The stronger your core muscles, the stronger you will be overall. As an added touch, be sure to switch legs periodically.

Next you can start a game of kickball and again, feel free to invite friends and neighbors. The more people, the more fun you are sure to have. The key to kickball is to kick the ball hard and long enough so that you may run as many bases as possible. Remember, running can be fun, especially when it is part of a game, as well as healthy.

Now not everyone has a pool in their backyard, but some people have access to one. A game of Marco Polo is definitely a great way to sneak exercise into your fun activity. Swimming around and treading water in order to avoid being caught promotes the use of many of your body's muscles.

These are just a few of your normal activities and games that can provide fun as well as exercise and promote good health. The main thing to remember is to get outside and have fun with your family and friends. What follows will be closer bonds and healthier bodies, two things that will greatly add to your mental and physical health.

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