Physical Activity Boost: Back to School Edition!
September 07, 2012 | Written By: Healthy Schools Campaign
By Lizzy Parker, HSC communications intern
Lizzy Parker is a junior at Colorado College and a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. As an intern at HSC, she enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for and knowledge about physical activity—and, that it can be fun!
Let’s be honest: sometimes the best exercise doesn’t feel like exercise at all. This back-to-school season is a great time to enjoy the games that got us moving as kids. The type of games we often associate with recess or P.E. class are fun activities that can involve the entire family with minimal equipment and set-up.
When you play, strive to create a relaxed environment that focuses on being active and having fun together rather than on extreme competition. Invite friends and neighbors along and make an event out of it! These games are simple, yet enjoyable for all ages:
- Basketball
- Softball
- Frisbee
- Tag football
- Kickball
- Soccer
- Freeze tag
- Volleyball
- . . . and the participants' own favorite games! Take turns selecting a favorite to play next.
In an effort to keep everyone moving — and keep with the fun recess spirit — set up exercise stations for players on the sidelines. Provide jump ropes, hula hoops, and sidewalk chalk. Or, invite everyone to rotate between different movements on the sideline — for example: balancing on one foot or doing jumping jacks.
Most important: enjoy the time together and have fun!
Games from recess and P.E. class offer a fun way to get active with family, friends and neighbors! Here, students play soccer during a physical activity break with a coach from Urban Initiatives.
