Did you know that April is considered by some people to be the “Move More Month”? I like to think that it’s because Winter is typically on its way out and the warm weather is moving in. People who have been hibernating over the winter are ready to get out and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Throughout the month of April, there are many different holidays that I feel involve or require movement. And while we are all at home, there are still many things we can do to get active!
A great way to start is to celebrate International Dance Day on April 29 with a family dance party at home!
Everyone moves differently. Everyone prefers different activities. Everyone is unique with regards to this.
Did you know that children and adolescents are supposed to get a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity every day? Most of these 60 minutes should be considered medium to high intensity, an activity designed to increase their heart rate. To some people, this 60-minute requirement can feel overwhelming, but it is important to remember that not all 60 minutes need to be consecutive. In fact, these could be spread out throughout the day.
By promoting your children to be active throughout the day, they receive many different benefits. Social, emotional, and intellectual and health are just some of the many ways that your child can see benefits in their lives.
Here are some ideas for you to try this weekend to get your whole family moving.
- Go for a walk on a nature path
- Run races or obstacle courses in your backyard
- Walk or bike
- Store portable electronics out of sight. After all, out of sight, out of mind.
- Encourage your children to help with the cleaning up of the yard or gardens.
- Find an exercise or yoga class online, bring your computer outside and join the class – many people are providing this right now for free!
The most important part is to get out, have fun, and move your body some more. What will you do?