Making Workouts for Kids Fun

Why Is It Important?

Exercise has been proven to have many benefits both physically and mentally.   According to children’s specialty health provider Nemours, some of the main benefits of exercise for kids include:

• stronger muscles and bones
• leaner bodies
• less risk of becoming overweight
• a lower chance of getting type 2 diabetes
• lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
• a better outlook on life

Need more benefits?  Check out 10 Benefits of Physical Activity for Kids from Parents Magazine.

As kids exercise they are working on endurance, strength, and flexibility.  It also plays a part in improving their mental health as well. Being fit and exercising doesn’t mean it has to be a rigorous, dreaded activity.  It is about moving and having fun.

17 Exercise Ideas That Aren’t Boring or Intimidating

Going on a Bear Hunt

Remember the song “I’m going on a Bear Hunt” from when you were a kid?  Have some fun and act out the motions as you sing!  Swim across the lake, climb up the tree, and stomp over the bridge! Kids will have a blast as they run and scurry from the bear at the end!  They’ll feel like they’re just having fun, singing, and acting it out while they are working their arms, lifting their legs, and running around doing cardio.

Hula Hooping

Kids love hula hoops!  Check out this Hula Hoop Challange for inspiration! Find Hula Hoops on Amazon

Follow the Leader

This is super simple and fun.  Throw in some jumping jacks, stomping, and squatting to make it fun and challenging.

Dance Party

Put on a playlist of your favorite songs and get moving!

Freeze Dance

Another option to a dance party to kick it up a notch is to play freeze dance and be ready to stop and start at a moment’s notice!  You can even get Alexa to play Freeze Dance!

Bubble Smash

Blow some bubbles and have the kids run and try to see who can smash them.

Pillow Fight.

You know how that works ;).  They’re getting in activity and movement and they run and swing that pillow, never realizing that it’s an exercise in motion.

HopScotch

This can be done inside or outside by using floor markers or tape inside or chalk outside.   While playing a game they will be jumping and practicing balance as well.

Balloon Ball

Don’t let the balloon touch the ground!  Each child can have their own balloon or it could be a game with just one where they continually move and hit it to keep it from hitting the ground.

Parachute

Using a parachute or a sheet at home, each kid will take an end of the parachute (or sheet) and fan it upward while one of you runs underneath.

Wheelbarrow Race

Have kids race from one end of the yard to another, or time a pair to see how long it takes them to wheelbarrow around the house three times. Check out this Kids Wheel Barrow Race on YouTube!  It’s sure to tire them out for the evening!

Clean Up Race

This is an activity we do a lot when I’m tired of fighting with the kids to get stuff done.  Set a timer and make it a competition for them and it seems to set off some inspiration!  Plus, things get done quickly!

Obstacle Course

You can use couch cushions, pots and pans, and plenty of other household objects to construct an engaging and challenging obstacle course!  Kids can climb under blankets stretched between the couch and coffee table, or they can somersault across the living room. This can be done inside or out!

• Playtivities Low Prep Obstacle Courses
• Family Education Indoor Obstacle Course Ideas
• Red Tricycle DIY Obstacle Courses You Can Set Up At Home

Bubble Wrap Attack

What kid doesn’t love bubble wrap?  Put some on the floor and have them jump around until it’s all popped!

Headstands

This is a great way to work core muscles!  Many times kids catch on quickly.

Dinosaur Workout

This is one of our favorites.  The kids both LOVE dinosaurs!  You can make it up as you go, or use Fit Mom Go’s Dinosaur Theme Workout!

Speaking of Fit Mom Go, she has a great playlist of Mommy and Me workouts to check out.

Fun Yoga

Cosmic Yoga has fantastic videos for kids to get moving and practicing yoga with themed workouts such as Alice in Wonderland, Super Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog and so much more.

 

Check out At Home Activities- Movement!