Sweaters are safely stowed away, temperatures are rising and summer is on the horizon. With the end of the school year, children will leave PE classes and scheduled programming behind. Now may be an important time to focus attention on family fitness, ensuring a warm-weather itinerary continues to support a healthy lifestyle.
First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move website (LetsMove.gov) features an “action” page devoted to making a fitness plan, with tips for successful summertime activity and nutrition. Here, families can make a six-week summer commitment to health and fitness by registering for the President’s Active Lifestyle Program. The program features more than 100 family-friendly activities.
You can also get out and get active as a family by registering for a non-competitive running event. Run Amuck and its “mini” version, hosted by the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM), will be held June 13 in Prince William County. These fun runs feature sloppy mud pits and numerous wild obstacles to slosh, hurdle, climb and slide through as a family.
Also refreshing during warm weather is a dip in a local community pool. While playing in the pool is relief from the hot sun, don’t overlook the opportunity to expand skills. Parents can take baby-and-me fitness classes, while older kids can learn important life-saving water tips or build on their aquatic skills.
And don’t let rainy days dampen a commitment to daily physical activity. Use pillows, laundry baskets and chairs to create an indoor obstacle course. Parents can also use painter’s tape or duct tape to create a hopscotch area, indoor race track or bean bag toss. Create a special rainy-day activity basket containing indoor versions of outdoor activities like bowling or horse shoes. Indoor activities such as rock climbing, laser tag, roller skating, or dance class offer parents the opportunity to model healthy behaviors, demonstrating a commitment to fitness.
With so many opportunities for families to stay fit, committing to a healthy summer plan is easy. Start now by registering for Run Amuck at www.marinemarathon.com.
Sandra Osborn-Peters is the MCM Communications Coordinator. Parents can register their kids for MCM events via the website www.marinemarathon.com. Schools can register groups of students for the MCM Kids Run by contacting Sandra at [email protected]. Articles in the Healthy Kids Series are presented by the MCM Kids Run. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement implied.
