Healthy and Active

5 Best Backyard Water Games for All Ages

August 31, 2017 by Basil Puglisi Leave a Comment

There are several ways to spend your summer vacation, and when it comes to having some cool fun under the blazing summer sun, there’s nothing better than some backyard water games with the whole family. It’s summer and everyone in the family wants to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine… and then cool things off with a few wild wet games, let’s list them!

Sprinkler Limbo

Remember the good old days and how much fun you had playing the limbo game? Here is something even better and pretty simple. First, you need a hose with a nozzle that’ll allow for a steady flow of water, or you could get a meter long PVC pipe, drill holes in it, plug one end and firmly connect the other to your hose. Now, turn on the water and let the games begin! Remember no crawling; kids will try to maneuver their bodies any way they can as they pass under the stream of water without getting wet.

Sponge Battle

Kids would love to rock this and adults can join too. Everyone would love venturing into an epic clash. There’s no turning back, kings of the seven realms all engaged in one final battle. Winner takes all! And will be the sole ruler of all the seven kingdoms… Yeah I got a bit carried away there, but adding a story to games has a way of spicing things up a bit. Here all you need are some sponges and a few buckets filled with water. May the one with the best aim win!

Water Spray Wars

Still in the spirit of battle. All you need for this game are spray bottles; alternatively, you can use dish soap bottle filled with water and with their cover on. The player with the spray bottle needs to chase and tag other players by squirting them. When you are tagged, you take over the spray bottle and do the squirting. You can add rules and different variations to it to make it even more interesting.

Slip and slides

A really fun backyard game everyone can join. For those with small yard spaces, this does not require a lot of space in the backyard, and all you need is a simple garden hose attached to it, and that will provide all the water needed. With a strong running start, flop down on your stomach and see who can get down the path the furthest. Everyone will have a blast seeing who can make it the farthest.

Water Balloons

Did somebody backyard water games for all ages? Now, this is it! For some really fun time outside, add this to your list. Whether it’s a friendly balloon toss or an out and out battle of tag, there are lots of fun to catch up on with these water balloons. Fill up dozens of them, share it equally amongst you. Everyone run around and try to stay dry!

According to research, kids are more likely to be active when their parents are active. So now you know having fun with the kids is up to you, get out there with your kids and show them how to have an incredibly good time.

Fun Outdoor Family Activities with Kids

August 17, 2017 by Basil Puglisi Leave a Comment

Are you a parent looking for fun some fun activities for kids to do in the outdoors? In modern times where smart phones, video games, computer games, television and other indoor activities are prevailing, sometimes it is necessary to entice your children to play outdoors. The idea here is keeping them active and making them enjoy various activities outdoors rather than those other indoor activities.

Even if you bring out a good book and work on your tan while they play, at the end of the day, you’ll all feel better for getting a bit of fresh air. So here are a few activities the kids will enjoy doing especially one that involves the whole family.

Hide and Seek: This is a simple and fun activity that can actually be done right in the backyard of your home. Although this may depend on the size of your backyard, it gives the kids the opportunity to stretch those legs, run and explore, right in the confine of your home.

Stump Steps

For those who have this in their backyard, kids really love it. If you don’t, you can simply create one using cut logs of wood in varying height and place them in a path. You can either cut them yourself or contact your local tree trimmer to see if he can donate a few scraps. Heights of the logs should be between 2″ to 10″, there should be enough spacing between each log to let the kids test their balancing skills.

Let them get a little Dirty

If there’s a pile of screened topsoil or loam dumped in the yard, then the kids can have lots of fun time while you, of course, watch them and wish you could join… lol. They could easily mold it like clay or better still lead a mission of army men and who knows, maybe cause an invasion.

From active play that let them move around like sports games to relaxing activities that allow them to enjoy the natural environment calmly, your kids should partake in some outdoor activities.

Some simple outdoor sports games kids love are soccer, ball tossing, and running. With these, they can train their hand and leg muscles while having as much fun as possible. Kids also love running games like short races, small obstacle courses, tags or basically just running free to enjoy the wind on their cute little faces.

You can also incorporate some group games into your fun outdoor family time, games like Pictionary, twenty questions, singing and even dancing sounds really exciting, engaging and will sure have everyone smiling.

For some relaxing activities, kids love blowing bubbles, reading story books, cloud-gazing and much more. Find out what your kids love, give them an avenue to explore and get excited. It is truly fascinating, don’t hesitate to join them and have some fun time with the whole family.

5 Examples of Recreations and Fun Activities for Children

June 22, 2017 by Basil Puglisi Leave a Comment

As parents, the word recreation goes hand in hand with exercise and when we think about exercises what creeps into our mind are workouts in the gym like running on a treadmill or lifting weights, some even start imagining some tedious cross fit activities.

Well, for kids it is different. Exercise simply means playing and just being physically active. Whether is a dance class, riding bikes or playing tag, it’s all exercise for your little one, and in this article, I will be walking you through how imperative these recreations are for the overall health of your kids.

Physical Activities

The next time you visit a playground, I want you to observe the activities they engage in critically, you’ll discover that these activities have some element of fitness in them. Although the playground is a place where children virtually forget about everything and just relish every moment in the seventh heaven, it gives them the opportunity to engage in recreational activities.

While having fun, children tend to develop several different skills. Movements such as swinging, climbing, crawling, sliding, pulling, jumping and balancing help in enhancing the motor skills of kids while they also develop social skills in the process.

Here are the 5 top recreational activities that a parent should encourage their kids to engage in.

Soccer
Dance
Karate
Basketball
Swimming

Basically, all type of aerobic exercises can be both fun and healthy for our kids, but those listed above are highly recommended to facilitate endurance, strength, and flexibility in them. Other activities like bicycling, running, ice skating, or even walking can also be very effective in strengthening the heart, stamina and overall health of our kids.

But the benefits of these recreational activities is not limited to that.

Kids who are physically active experience the following:

They have a leaner and more flexible body
Tend to have a better outlook on life
Sleep better
They have lower blood pressure and cholesterol level
Healthy heart
Overcome childhood obesity
Highly sociable as a result of social interactions on the playground or in the class and as they play together
They develop a higher level of self-esteem and self-worth
Stimulate brain growth and boost cognitive performance
Develop leadership abilities and team spirit.

Overall these recreational activities ease pressure on the health system of your kids and even goes a long way in making them succeed in other endeavors while meeting new people, developing friendship, and having fun.

So, does your child’s daily schedule encourage these activities? Or is your kid stuck in a rut that leaves little or no time for physical fitness and exercise?

Well, you now have an idea of the enormous list of benefits these recreational activities holds for your little one. And even if you want them to succeed in school, this activity can play a role in that as it helps boost their cognitive performance. Helping them focus which in turn make it easier for them to learn effectively.

Alright, that’s it! I hope this piece has been able to enlighten you about the benefits of recreational activities for your kids? Do well to share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

Hiking and Biking: Get out and Get Some Fresh Air

June 10, 2017 by Basil Puglisi Leave a Comment

In this fast paced life we don’t often stop to smell the roses or pause to reflect on how beautiful this world really is. There are many benefits to getting outside, breathing in some fresh air, and taking in the nature around us. This is especially true for busy families who barely have time to eat dinner together.

Two activities that can pull a family together and get them moving are hiking and biking. Not only will you get some great exercise, but also you will be able to connect with your family again and strengthen those relationships. Not only that, but both hiking and biking have some fantastic benefits.

Hiking and Biking: Get out and Get Some Fresh Air

Great cardio – We all know how important it is to incorporate exercise into a daily/weekly routine, but this is sometimes hard to stick to especially for busy families. However both hiking and biking are wonderful ways to get that important workout without having to visit a gym every night. Both are wonderful for your cardiovascular system. Your blood gets pumping and all those unused muscles are put to work helping to build strength and muscle tone.

Low/No Cost – Hiking and biking have a huge advantage over many other workouts. They are both totally free to enjoy whenever you choose. Of course you will need bicycles and possibly some good hiking boots but other than that you are free and clear to enjoy these activities without worrying about them impacting your bank account.

Stress reduction – It has been proven that outdoor activities, fresh air, and sunshine can help reduce stress or worry in your life. Getting outside with your family and connecting with them in a different way can do a world of good on any worrisome issues that are plaguing you. Without the weight of the world pushing down on your shoulders it will be easier to enjoy your family time together, laughing and bonding in a way you wouldn’t otherwise.

Variety – Both of these activities provide variety in your workout. When you hit the gym it can often become monotonous and boring to stare at a television screen while on the treadmill or stationary bike. When you get outdoors and take a bike ride or hike one of the trails you get to take in different scenery every time you go. Keep each member of the family involved and give everyone a chance to pick where they want to go one of the times you are out and about.

There are benefits to just about any outdoor activity you choose. Hiking and biking are wonderful simply because they allow you and your family to get back to the basics and take in all the wonders nature has to offer. It’s a great way to connect with your family and take in some beautiful scenery at the same time. The fresh air, cool breeze, and quiet calm can make you see things from a different perspective and enjoy your family time and what really matters in life.

Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ to Kеер thе Family Hеаlthу аnd Aсtіvе

June 7, 2017 by Basil Puglisi Leave a Comment

It’s inevitable. All those activities and plans you had for keeping the family busy this summer ran out just a couple of weeks in. Now you have bored children tugging on you, loud sighing across the board, and even the adults may begin giving you the side eye when the idleness starts to wear on everyone’s nerves. But even if your list wasn’t as long as it needed to be, there’s plenty of fun activities available to keep your family healthy and active this year.

Fun Activities to Keep the Family Healthy and Active

Sometimes, the biggest problem is getting everyone together at once. So, try to plan activities that can be done with just one or two teens, or those that can be done with an older child and a younger child together. After all, the main goal is to build bonds, create memories, and keep your family healthy and happy. Also, it’s not wrong to concede that children who get in a good days play will certainly also get a good night’s sleep!

Free time – Play is the ‘work’ of children. So while structured family activities are always great, don’t forget to give them plenty of actual free time to exercise their own favorite activities. Take your future family time cues from what those children do enjoy when left up to their own devices. Your teen loves drawing and creating chalk art in her free time? Make sure you get the whole family to an art museum or display in your town.
Creative Arts – And while we’re in the artist department, an activity that the entire family can get on is creating your own family play, theater with singing and dancing included, and more! Task those artist kids with helping create the stage or the puppet show box. Have a joker in the house? Get them onstage for a quick stand up routine. Have a budding writer? Let them come up with the script. Everyone has a part to play and they’ll enjoy playing it as a team.
Gardening Fun – Gardening can be a real bonding experience for any family. It can also be very hard work. However, the good news about gardening is that children of all ages can be given relatively easy tasks that will make the whole gardening task actually a good bit easier for everyone involved. The wee ones can learn to pull the easy weeds. Give the five to nine year olds the job of pulling up the bigger, thicker weeds or plants that must go from your gardening spot. Preteens make great seed planters and waterers. The teens and up can do the digging and your larger, stronger teens can help you carry fresh soil or fertilizer to your garden area or boxes. All ages, with assistance for the littlest ones, can water the garden every night.
Safe Night Fun – Time to water the garden but the half hour or so probably isn’t going to wear them out and get them ready for bed? A couple fun and safe night activities after the garden is done is fire fly chasing or counting. The little ones will love that activity. You can even use a bug cage, very inexpensive at the local pet store, so that they can gather them up and maybe see who caught the most. Another super fun activity, especially for the teens, is a game of flashlight tag. The game is played basically like hide and seek, except for you’ll need that flashlight to find anyone in the dark. It’s extra safe because there will be no running or chasing in the dark, simply shining the light on another person, in this game, is considered the ‘tag’.
Smoothie Creation – Not only is making smoothies a fun idea that most kids will enjoy. It can also double as a day time snack, or will pair nicely with a small breakfast of yogurt or and granola, or eggs and toast. Wow them by showing them how great a smoothie can taste, even when you toss in those awful green veggies such as spinach. They’ll be shocked that they can’t even taste it blended with almond milk and strawberries.
Fort Building – I want to say that the little kids will absolutely love the fort building, and they will. But I think if most of us are completely honest, we’ll all admit to loving forts, at least a little bit. I know I do. Grab boxes or couch cushions, whatever you have and start building that fort. Don’t skimp on the blankets and absolutely do not hesitate to have lunch or a tea party while you’re in there. The purpose of a fort is the fantasy. Help your kids stretch those imaginations by pretending that fort IS the castle in the clouds they’ve always dreamed of.
Camera Treasure hunt – With most people having a phone with a camera in their pocket these days, a camera treasure hunt could be a super fun idea for all ages. Of course, the littlest of you will need to be accompanied by an adult or teen with their own camera, but the end result will be the same. Draw up a list you can print out, or even just text your list to one another and go. The treasure hunt for an Oak tree, a squirrel, a neighborhood cat, a mailbox with the number 3 on it, anything you can think of that is within the range of how far you want your family exploring, get it on the list, first one back to home base with a completed list is the winner. Now you just have to think up prizes.
Cooking Together – If you have your family garden, this part will be a little less expensive, but no less on the family bond building. Let each person be responsible for one of your dinner’s courses and assist where you can, but let them do the job. Just fair warning, the littler they are, the sweeter they are going to want their course, so make sure you’re nearby when the sugar goes in. Teens can do more elaborate work in the kitchen. Cooking, baking, roasting for example. And many quite enjoy it. Make sure to instruct, but not hover. And above all, enjoy the time you get to spend together eating it.
Walk a Dog – Have a shelter local to you? Get the whole family involved in taking a shelter dog for a walk. Even the youngest can hold onto the leash of older mini dogs. Not only will this add dogs to your family’s fun, but it will be doing a huge service for animals who have to live in small cages most of the rest of their time. Older children may even be able to walk two at once. The best part about this experience is that you’ll be giving back to your community as a family and that helps to teach your children that there are always others who could use a hand.

Family Free and Fun Time

There are many options on what you can do as a family together. A quick conversation with other parents may help open a whole new world of ideas for your family. Get involved in PTA with your children’s school and you may be surprised to learn about major community or school events that go on year round. Just keep an open mind, use your creativity and forward thinking, and you’ll be able to get in a pattern enjoying great family fun, with good conversation and family bonding time.

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Get Your Game on: Sports The Whole Family Will Enjoy

May 29, 2017 by Basil Puglisi Leave a Comment

Fitness does not have to involve going to a gym and working out with weights or running on a treadmill. There are a variety of activities outside of the gym that are both fun and fitness oriented. Sporting activities are one example of a way the family can spend time together and get a great workout as well. You don’t have to be a professional or even bring your “A” game, just as long as you’re willing to get involved and have fun. Let’s look at a few sports that will keep your family active and happy.

Volleyball – This sport can be fun whether you set up a net in the backyard or get a game going on the beach. Volleyball is a wonderful sport for your overall health because it strengthens muscles in your arms and legs, allows for better hand-eye coordination, and increases your energy level. You burn a ton of calories and is a great way to tone and tighten those problems areas you may have. The whole family will get a great overall workout and walk away feeling strong and energized.

Golf – There are numerous benefits to playing a round of golf, especially if you decide to forego using a caddy and a golf cart. Generally 18 holes of golf would be around 5 miles if you walk the whole distance. This is a way to get a great cardiovascular workout, all while taking in the beautiful scenery on the golf course. Unless you and your children are avid golfers, it may be easier to choose a round of miniature golf instead, but you still get the benefit of walking the course, swinging the club, and consistently moving while you play.

Tennis– Playing a game of tennis can be as moderate or intense as you choose. Your reflexes, speed, and agility will be put to the test and you will burn a huge amount of calories during this aerobic workout. Hitting the ball back and forth to your children is a great way to work your arm and leg muscles. This is especially true if your children don’t hit the ball directly back to you and you find yourself jogging to chase it around the court. Tennis is a great overall workout and is a perfect way for a family to get their game on and show their skills.

Playing sports as a family is a great way to build character and teach your kids to work as a team. Working together can strengthen relationships and form a bond that can’t be broken. Playing sports with your children is also a way to build their confidence, self-esteem, and sportsmanship. The values and skills learned during this time is something that won’t be easily forgotten. Playing sports as a family can instill positive habits that will have a lasting effect on your relationships both now and throughout life.

5 Outdoor Activities that Get the Whole Family Moving

May 27, 2017 by Basil Puglisi Leave a Comment

Life is full of daily activities that keep you running from one point to the next. However, carving out time for some of the activities that get the blood pumping and the heart racing is a little bit harder to do. Finding time to be active as a family is important, not only for your health but for your relationships as well. Here are a few outside activities you can do to keep your family active.

Picnic at the park – Pack a healthy lunch and hit up one of the local parks for the afternoon. There is no better way to get your family up and moving. This is a great way to bond and have a conversation that doesn’t consist of text messages and emails. Once you finish eating, the rest of the time can consist hitting the ball around, playing at the playground, or simply chasing your kids around for a game of tag. Either way the whole family gets some exercise and some time to connect with each other.

Take a bike ride – This is such a great way to experience the outdoors with the whole family. Safe biking paths can be found all over to make it easier and the fresh air will do everyone a world of good. Many of the biking paths will go right past a park or playground so you will be able to get some extra playtime in. Biking is a great way to get your boost your energy levels and give your legs a workout.

Roller skating – Break out the roller skates or rollerblades and hit the pavement for a breath of fresh air and some exercise that will get all the muscle groups working. Roller-skating is especially good for your heart and is considered one of the best cardio workouts you can do. Find a bike path or just skate around the neighborhood and enjoy the scenery. The kids will love it and it’s a great way to be silly and get some laughs out of everyone.

Gardening – This is a fantastic way to get outdoors and get the whole family involved and working together. The entire process – from deciding what you will plant, to picking the seeds, to digging up some dirt – will engage everyone and get them excited about the possibilities. Not only is it terrific exercise, but it’s also a great way to teach children about patience and attention to detail. It will be especially fun to keep track of the progress and see the end result.

Walking – Taking a walk around the neighborhood is a super effective cardio workout and a way to catch up and chat with members of your family. Choose a different path each time in order to give everyone some variety. Step it up a level and wear ankle or wrist weights while you walk to give yourself an added boost. Walking is a leisurely activity that can also push your limits if you choose to do so. The family time together during your walk is just an added benefit to getting in shape.

It’s often said that people give up on their fitness goals because they get bored or burnt out on the activities that they are doing. It’s so important to incorporate a variety of ways to workout so you keep going, and have fun at the same time. Each member of the family should have a say in what activities are chosen to keep it fair. Given the large amount of outdoor activities a family has to choose from, it will be a surefire way for everyone to stay active.

Beating the Winter Blues: 5 Indoor Fitness Activities Your Family will Love

January 20, 2017 by Basil Puglisi Leave a Comment

During those freezing cold winter months when you aren’t able to get outside and it’s hard to muster up the motivation to get out and hit the gym, it can seem nearly impossible to get any exercise in. Activity levels fall to one step above couch potato and we often wonder where the excess weight is coming from. However, not all is lost. You do still have a chance to maintain some form of an exercise routine even when the snow is falling and temps are ridiculously low.

Fun Winter Activities

Video games – this is not a suggestion to sit on the couch and stare at the television all day with a controller in your hand. Systems such as the Wii offer games where you can be up and moving while you are playing. Bowling, tennis, Wii Fit, and Wii Sports are a few games that will not only get your whole family laughing, but also keep everyone active while the snow blows outside.

Indoor obstacle course – use your furniture and everyday items around the house to create a fun, unique obstacle course that you all can enjoy. Make it an event the whole family gets involved in, and time how long it takes each person to complete it. The winner gets a prize or gets to choose how the next course will be set up. Use your imagination and be as creative as you want.

Turn up the music – This may be the one and only time that you don’t yell at the kids to turn the music down. Blast some tunes as loud as you want and make room for a dance floor in the living room. Your whole family will enjoy showing off their moves and will get a workout while they are at it. Step it up a level and have each person create their own unique dance that they perform in front of the whole family.

Indoor bowling – turn a hallway into a bowling alley with a few simple steps. Empty soda or water bottles make great pins, and any ball will do. Keep score and see who is the bowling champion. This type of bowling is cheaper AND you don’t have to wear those awful bowling shoes while you play.

Scavenger hunt – This is a perfect indoor activity to keep the kids busy. It’s a great way to be creative and keep the imaginative juices flowing. Hide a variety of items all through the house and leave clues that the kids have to follow to find them. Whoever finds all items gets to choose a prize or decide what the family will watch on television that night.

Don’t Let the Weather Get in the Way

Just because it’s cold and nasty outside doesn’t mean you have to give up all forms of exercise. There are many creative ways to stay active indoors and make memorable moments with your family as well. It’s one way to get your family looking forward to those cold, winter days rather than dreading them.