Kids Just Play to be Fit

Summer is here and sizzling here in Central Ontario right now.  From my home I can hear and see kids playing all the time, even though my daycare is currently closed.  From the nearby park and beach I can hear the lifeguards on the loudspeaker and if I look out on my lakeside there is almost always a boat pulling skiers or tubers around.  Failing that, I don't have to look far to see kids just playing in the water, at the beach, on the dock etc.  This is the ideal season for kids to just play outside...and that's really all they need to do to be fit.  If they are already swimming they'll be running and jumping off docks, sliding down water slides, playing with water toys, all of which is going to use their muscles, increase cardiovascular fitness...and most importantly, teach them that fun play can be fitness.

The 10 Favourite Things Fit Families Love About Camping

1.  Change of scenery – There is nothing better to relax you than to get away.  As long as you are at home you will find that "to do" list. By the time you leave your kids will be beside themselves with excitement…that is provided you start when they are young.

2.  New adventures – Have everyone in the family contribute an idea regarding what they would like to do while you are camping.  Research where you are going.  There may be an outstanding hiking trail or a wonderful day paddling trip.  There may be an organized outing provided by the campground.

3.  Great food – Camping meals are always simple and delicious.  No microwave meals here.  You will likely be more active on this holiday so some treat food might be in order.

4.  Outdoor fun all day long - You can sleep in or get up early.  Whatever you choose, if you are really camping (not using a motor home) you will be outside nearly all the time.

5.  Paddling a canoe – If you are car camping either rent or take your own canoe.  A quick paddling clinic for the whole family is advisable.  The kids may take instruction from a stranger better and you, the parent, might hone a forgotten skill.

6.  Riding bikes around the campground if car camping.  This is one of the favourite activities of kids whose families are car camping.  The family can explore the whole campground on bikes.

7.  Sleeping in a tent – Even if you are car camping take a tent along.  Kids may love to sleep in the tent, or if they are nervous about that they may love to hang out in it, play card games etc.

8.  Hearing the loons on the lake – This is a very special sound that you never ever forget once you hear it.  If you are lucky you might see a mama loon with a baby.

9. Seeing wildlife or evidence of wildlife – While raccoons have become city dwellers, bears, moose and deer generally are not.  If you are wilderness camping you are more likely to see a moose in the early morning.  If you are hiking you may see scat from any of these animals.

10. Campfires and cooking s'mores – What is camping without a campfire?  This is often the highlight of the trip for the kids.  Teach them how to gather the tinder, kindling and wood if you are wilderness camping.  If you are car camping you likely have to buy the wood on site, however the end product is the same.

Make Your Kid's Health Your Number 1 Priority

I know, it sounds kind of hokey and you're probably saying "Well, Yah…duh".  Fair enough, but most parents lead really hectic, busy, stressful lives.  At the end of your workday making sure you and your children get at least 30 minutes of activity is at the bottom of your list.  You're thinking about what to have for dinner and how much work is waiting for you at home before your day is done.  Saying your child's health is your priority and proving it with actions are two different things.

The President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN) (www.fitness.gov) established May as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. The President's Challenge (www.presidentschallenge.org) is the PCFSN signature awards and recognition program.

What follows is the video released today by Wellness News on YouTube.  It clearly shows just about everything I would recommend to help you get organized so you can lead your family into fun activities and great nutrition choices.  I would add one more thing.  Plan your weekly menu, even if just a rough guideline.  Get everyone's input for the menu and get help from everyone with dinner prep so it becomes a family affair.  Your quality together time could be munching on fresh veggies and dip while you work together to get a simple dinner on the table.  After dinner is cleaned up follow through on a half hour walk or bike ride.  Finding a trail you like makes it more of an adventure.  I always get a feeling of relaxation as soon as I step off a road and onto a trail.  Enjoy the video and get inspired to make the change to ensure your kids are not part of the obesity epidemic.  You can build a fit family.