By Vicki Salemi
As millions of children rejoice that another school year has ended, they may think their newfound summer freedom equates to more time to play video games. Well, they need to think again. Rather, experts have shown the mental and physical benefits of incorporating exercise into daily routines. So when families ditch couch potato time and pursue outdoor activities instead, not only are they enjoying quality time, they're staying active as well: a win-win situation all around.
Go Fly a Kite
"Believe it or not, flying a kite is good exercise, especially when it's windy," says Dr. Frederic Vagnini, Medical Director of the Heart, Diabetes and Weight Loss Centers of New York. "You are running around, your arms are taut and muscles are working. You'll have lots of tension in the arms." Get this ? it?s a calorie burner, too. When jogging while kite riding, an average of 493 calories/hour may be burned. As for an added benefit? When flying a kite on the beach there's an advantage of being in the sand which forces leg muscles to work harder.
Ride a Bicycle
Ah, the pedal-driven vehicle: What better way to feel a breeze, enjoy the sunshine, and check out local sights while cruising around the neighborhood? According to Kelli Calabrese, clinical exercise physiologist and author of 'Feminine, Firm & Fit,' an activity like bike riding will never get old if you mix it up such as changing the route. Better yet, they burn a lot of calories; one hour of moderate bicycling equates to 563 calories! Plus, she advises, "You can set personal goals each week, such as trying to beat last week's time, spotting animals along the route or finding "treasures" along the way."
Play Net Games
Whether it's a game of badminton, tennis, volleyball or pingpong, it's all good according to Dr. Carl Arinoldo, the author of 'Essentials of Smart Parenting: Learning the Fine Art of Managing Your Children.' After all, outdoor games instill a sense of support. He explains, "The family learns how to encourage one another and a sense of feeling loved and accepted can be fostered." As for bonus points? "A child may discover a talent in a specific area which can be developed and nurtured by the parents." As for the calorie counter? It?s all good. Whether it?s badminton (317 cal/hour), tennis (493 cal/hour), volleyball (211/hour) or table tennis (281 cal/hour), outdoor games are slimming, too.
Potato Sack Races
Let's face it: no matter how silly outdoor activities may seem like kitschy potato sack races a la 'The Brady Bunch,' they're fun and simultaneously increase the heart rate. Dr. Susan Smith Kuczmarski, author of 'The Family Bond,' says it doesn't matter so much what you do as long as you're active together. "Get outside," she advises. "Move physically, be spontaneous and just be together." Whether you race in potato sacks, play wiffleball, toss a frisbee, play with a hoola hoop or jump rope, chances are you'll share laughs while burning calories. For instance, rope jumping at a moderate level will burn off 704 calories per hour!
Go Rafting or Kayaking
Whether you're paddling water in a raft or a kayak, it's an invigorating family workout for the mind and body. In fact, kayaking alone will burn 352 calories per hour. Matt Taylor, two-time U.S. Olympic kayaker, operations director at the Adventure Sports Center International and father of four children under the age of 5 explains, "Healthy outdoor lifestyles can improve overall mental function. Outdoor exercise also adds a component of group trust, environmental learning and a deep affection for nature that strengthens the family bond. Nature is the original Prozac."
Play 'Marco Polo'
According to experts, swimming is one of the best forms of exercise so why not splash it up in the pool with water games like 'Marco Polo'? "Playing with your family in the water provokes laughter and friendship," says Karilee Halo Shames PhD, RN, author of 'Feeling Fat, Fuzzy or Frazzled.' She adds, "Most body muscles are used when swimming and it can also help heart health." And since swimming leisurely will burn 422 calories/hour, chances are fun splash games will muscle off calories, too.
Go Take a Hike
Literally. When wearing the proper sneakers and equipped with provisions (think water), hiking outings can stimulate family conversations along with flexing those calve muscles to burn an average of 422 calories/hour. According to Matt Taylor, "The real question is why aren't more people counteracting the negative trends in their life with more exercise and outdoor play? That is where family education comes in: Children really do learn from routine and if it is part of family life to take walks, it will become a core value for that person."
Horseback Riding
Although horseback riding requires a simple requirement (ahem, a horse), riding at a local stable could evolve into a fun outing that includes a healthy picnic while burning 281 calories per hour in the process. In addition to exercising, horseback riding provides the opportunity to connect with an animal and nature. Kelli Calabrese notes, "It's not only good exercise, it builds children's confidence with animals, teaches them respect and it's very therapeutic."
Play Putt Putt
As you hit the greens for a game of miniature golf, you'll be getting your family game on. After all, the family that plays together stays together. To keep it fresh, Dr. Arinoldo recommends incorporating a variety into this exercise routine burning 211 calories per hour, even in putt putt. "Go to different courses if they are available," he says. "And keep previous scores for self-comparison."
TheFabulousRon 05:15:05 AM Jul 12 2009
SUMMER IS FOR FUN AND RELAX FROM A LOT OF WORK OR SCHOOL BUT STILL READ A BOOK OR CATCH UP ON SOME EDUCATIONAL FUNCTIONSSUMME R IS ONLY 8 WEEKS SO GO AND ENJOY SMILE SWIM SHOP ENJOY THE BEACH HOUSE BUT REMEMBER WORK AND SCHOOL IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER SCHOOL STARTS ON SEPT 3.
