2014

5 Summer Activities to Keep the Family Fabulously Fit

5 Summer Activities to Keep the Family Fabulously Fit
The days are longer, the sun is shining and the kids are out of school for summer vacation. It’s time for some family fun in the summer sun, and because the best activities are those that help you get in shape without even noticing, I compiled this shortlist of 5 summer activities you can do outdoors while enjoying your family’s company and keeping the weight off.

5 Summer Activities to Keep the Family Fit and Fabulous


1. Work on your tan and go for a run on the beach


BeachRunSummer is all about sun and fun. If you have spent most of your workout time at the gym, this is the time to get up and moving in the great outdoors. Gather your whole family for a group run on the beach where you can breathe in the refreshing ocean breeze while enjoying the calmness of the waters. If you and your family are up for a challenge, you can make a game out of it, a prize to the fastest maybe? If you’d rather keep it relaxed, take short breaks to collect seashells between sets. ( Beach Tip: keep in mind, stay well hydrated and pack lots of sunscreens )

#DidYouKnow Fact: Running in the sand burns upwards of 30% more calories than running on the road

Calories:

  • Running on sand: 600 - 800 calories per hour at 6 mph.


2. Make a splash with water sports


SurfingThat beach house vacation you've been looking forward to all year doesn't have to be all about lazing around in the sun. This stretch of free time by the clear blue waters gives you and your family the chance to indulge in a range of water sports. If you can surf, gather your family and go chase some waves. If not, you can break a good sweat and have fun kayaking, canoeing or stand up paddleboarding. Water polo and snorkeling are a great choice if you have young children.

#DidYouKnow Fact: Dog paddling in a swimming pool burns up to 400 calories per hour

Calories:

  • Kayaking: 340 calories per hour.

  • Canoeing: 600 calories per hour.

  • Surfing:  400 calories per hour.

  • Water polo: 660 calories per hour.

  • Snorkeling: 480 calories per hour.


3. Hey you, TAKE a HIKE!


Trail HikeIf you live or vacation near the woods, pack up the family and head for a hike. This will give you the time to bond with one another while burning off those barbecue calories. Moreover, your children are definitely going to love all the wildlife sightings and bird watching, and maybe, set up camp and stay a few days?

#DidYouKnow Fact: Wearing a weighted vest while you hike can burn up to 30% more calories per hour

Calories:

  • Hiking: 460 calories per hour.


4. Mary Poppins had it right… Let’s go fly a kite!


kite flyingIt’s no secret that children love flying kites. This is one fun activity that can easily be turned into an active event for the family. Get these colorful kites up in the sky, and then take short runs to make the kites soar higher. The best places for kite flying are parks and beaches where you and your family can enjoy the warm summer air and beautiful scenery while staying safely away from power lines and cars.

#DidYouKnow Fact: The earliest account of kite flying was around 200 B.C … the original piece of fitness equipment, right?

Calories:

  • Kite flying: up to 200 calories per hour.


5. Team sports for the family... let's play ball!


baseball family

If you have meant to take your children outside to play baseball, this is the time. You’ll just need a ball, a bat, and gloves ( this guide for catcher’s mitts can help you pick the right one for the catcher.) You can even try to learn a new sport together like soccer, or you can take your partner out for a game of tennis under the bright summer sun.

#DidYouKnow Fact: Running at 10 mph and bicycling at more than 20 mph burns the most calories per hour.

Calories:

  • Baseball: 330 calories per hour.

  • Soccer: 460 calories per hour.

  • Tennis: 470 calories per hour.


Get outside today - what's holding you back?


Forget all about screen time! Put away the iPads, smart phones, and turn off the TV, and say 'no more' to video games and couch time... The 5 activities listed above are sure to bring more variety into your summer, more quality time to your family and more fitness to every member in your house. Have some fun in the summer sun!
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