The weather is finally starting to warm up. What better time to either start getting in shape or shake up your existing workout. The more pleasant weather provides a wealth of opportunities to get up and get moving. And unlike most workouts performed in a gym, they are activities that you can do with your loved ones. Here a few ideas to get you started.

1) Take a hike. Get out of the hustle and bustle of the city for a couple of hours and explore nature. Pack a lunch, plenty of water, and an extra set of clothes if you're taking the young'uns (it's amazing how dirty they get, and you probably won't want those nasty clothes sitting on your car upholstry). Take your camera with you and take lots of photos. Those will be great memories down the line. Not to mention that you are teaching your children that exercise is fun, not a chore.

2) Take the plunge. Swimming works your whole body, but is easy on your joints. Anyone can do it at any age. Again, take the kids. You can simply play around, very unstructured. You can swim laps. You can play water games such as marco polo or compete to see who can pick up the most dive sticks. If you have a net and a ball available, water volleyball is always a good time (just make sure your weaker swimmers are in the shallow end).

3)Park it. Feel like a kid again and run around your local park. Pack up some equipment and a picnic lunch and you're set. You can play soccer. Take your dog and play frisbee. You can play tag or red rover. Toss the football around. Your options are limited only by your imagination and your energy.

4)Go to the zoo. Some people wouldn't consider this a workout. But if you're just starting out, I say it's perfect. Resist the urge to do any trolley rides or rent a cart. Just walk. You can trick yourself into getting a good walking workout. Before you know it, you've been on your feet and moving for hours.

5)Get to work. Plant that garden you've been talking about. Build that fence. Mow the yard. Wash your car. All of these things can be physically demanding. Plus, bonus, you're accomplishing something else that needs to be done at the same time.

Learn more about this author, Amber Alexander.
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