Keeping active doesn’t need to mean going to the gym or having a personal trainer! There are lots of fun activities you can do with your family that are also free or low-cost.
- Go to your local library to check out exercise or yoga videos for free. Find out what your kids enjoy and have fun working out together in your living room!
- Check your neighborhood for walking clubs. They’re active, free, and social!
- Play games with your kids in your house or yard. Try playing hop-scotch, Simon Says, tag, hide-and-seek, or invent a new game!
- If you have cable, consider downgrading it. Your kids will spend less time in front of the TV, and you can save that money for things like a bike for your child or a special family outing.
- Encourage your child to walk or ride their bike to school (if you feel the sidewalks, traffic, and neighborhood are safe). You can also be a good role model and walk or bike to work! Consider looking into “Walking School Buses” as a safe and active way to get your child to school. Find out more at: http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/guide/walking_school_bus/index.cfm
- If your kids enjoy team sports, make it a family activity and play touch football, soccer, or basketball.
- Work with your neighbors to organize play dates or group activities such as dodgeball, capture the flag, or a dance competition.
- Save on gas and buy MBTA passes. It’ll get your family walking to the train or bus stop.
- Do stretches with your family before bedtime. It will get your family moving, and it will help you relax at the end of the day.
- Work in a little extra activity here and there, like taking the stairs, or getting off the train or bus a couple stops early and walking the rest of the way.
- If your family has a Wii, choose the more active games to play, or consider buying Wii Fit Plus. Most games are multi-player, so the whole family can play!
- Start taking a family walk before or after dinner. A half-hour of walking together in your in your neighborhood is a great way to unwind and connect with your family.
