School’s out and children have plenty of free time that can either be spent inside, lounging – or outside, making the most of the season. There are many simple ways to incorporate fitness into your family’s summer plans while still having fun together. TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, offers the following tips for a summer filled with family fitness.
Lead by example
An effective and easy way to get your family to be more active is to show them how. Simple activities can go a long way in teaching the importance of fitness and increased movement. When shopping together, take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. On nice days, park as far away from building entrances as possible. Walk and bike to places nearby – instead of hopping in the car. Little changes like these will motivate kids to opt for more active habits on their own.
Sign up for a run/walk
Summer is full of run/walks for various causes and nonprofit organizations. Decide together on some events in which you’d like to participate, whether it’s for the cause it benefits or the pure fun appeal. 5Ks are perfect for beginners, and you can train together as a family, too.
Liven up your chores list
Instead of having your children help with the typical indoor chores, get them involved in outdoor tasks. Gardening, raking, push-mowing, and anything that incorporates some movement are great ways to keep kids moving while enjoying some sun.
Be smart about gifting
When giving gifts to your family, choose things associated with activity. Some practical items disguised by fun include sports balls and nets, Slip ’n Slides, Frisbees, bicycles, inline skates, and anything that makes outdoor exercise enjoyable. The novelty factor of the “new” item can be a catalyst for getting outdoors, and it’s a convenient way to be thoughtful while also promoting physical fitness. Remember to provide protective equipment such as helmets, wrist pads, or knee pads.
Make after-dinner walks part of your routine
A simple way to get your family on the fitness track is by making a tradition of after-dinner walks. Take several fast-paced walks around the block and enjoy the opportunity to be active together as a family, while burning off some dinner calories. Also look for routes that offer a combination of inclined and flat paths, so that strong walkers are challenged but slower walkers get a rest.
TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is the original weight-loss support and wellness education organization. Founded more than 65 years ago, TOPS is the only nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss organization of its kind. TOPS promotes successful weight management with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.®” philosophy that combines support from others at weekly chapter meetings, healthy eating, regular exercise, and wellness information. TOPS has about 150,000 members – male and female, age seven and older – in nearly 9,000 chapters throughout the United States and Canada.
Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. Membership is affordable at just $28 per year in the U.S. and $32 per year in Canada, plus nominal chapter fees. To find a local chapter, view www.tops.org or call (800) 932-8677.
