Outdoor spring activity
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EmailOutdoor physical activity ideas for warmer spring days and sunshine.
After a long, cold winter, spring brings warmer days, green grass, sunshine and gardening into our minds. Enjoying the great outdoors in the spring air is beneficial to both your mind and body. As spring sets in, the opportunity presents to go outside and take advantage of activities that get our bodies moving. Spring is a great time to begin adding more physical activity to your lifestyle.
The current physical activity recommendation for adults is to have at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. For children ages 6-17, it is recommended that they have 60 minutes a day of physical activity. To reap all the benefits that physical activity can provide us; it is recommended to be active most days of the week.
How can we get ourselves and our families moving for better health and more physical activity? Take advantage of every activity you can to get your body moving. Michigan State University Extension recommends some simple ideas that you could try for physical activity:
- Go for a walk; try 10 minutes, 20 minutes or 30 minutes. Every minute and step counts.
- Walk the dog.
- Go for a family bike ride or walk.
- Play catch with your kids.
- Go for a walk at lunch, on a break or before/after dinner.
- Kick around the soccer ball and have a mini game in the yard.
- Rake the yard.
- During kids sports practices, go for a walk or run to get your own physical activity.
- Play basketball, kickball or tennis.
- Start prepping and working in the garden.
- Wear a pedometer and set a daily goal for more steps each day.
- Start a walking club at work, in your neighborhood or even among family members.
- Schedule physical activity time in your day, just as you would any other meeting or activity.
Think about the types of physical activities that you enjoy and do them together as a family. What a great way to spend time together, set a good example for your children and encourage good health, all at the same time.
As the season springs, take some time to think about how you and your family are doing at meeting the recommendations for physical activity and set a goal to take advantage of the outdoors and get moving more.
