Mum’s Healthy School Holiday Survival Guide
Are you determined that this Summer you’ll spend more of the school holiday staying active, getting outdoors and not piling on holiday weight but are not sure where to start?
Whether you’re still working and have childcare sorted, or are at home with the kids or even going away on holiday, you don’t want to have to start the new term in September unfit and with more weight to lose than before the school holiday started, so how do you make sure you stay on track with your good intentions?
There are plenty of family friendly activities that are fun for all ages, and not being able to get to the gym isn’t a reason to lie on a sun lounger for 6 weeks!
(Though of course a bit of sunbathing while they’re playing is perfectly acceptable if they let you get away with it – unlikely in my house)
There are many activities you can choose from, so you can try them and find what that your family might want to continue doing.
Depending on the ages of your children you might be more restricted as to what activities you can do, however most of the ones we have selected and be enjoyed by most ages.
Here are my 10 Tips for staying active this Summer
Pre Meal Walks – this is a simple and effective way to spend time together as a family and is very easy to complete! You don’t have to be very coordinated or require any special equipment. The reason I have suggested ‘pre meal’ walk is this is great time to work up an appetite (hungry kids are more likely to eat what you put in front of them) and reenergise yourself, and you can do as much of the meal preparation as you can before you set off. It’s a great way to connect as a family and feel more refreshed.
Bike Rides – this can be enjoyed by all ages. It doesn’t have to be a 10-mile ride anywhere extravagant; a simple ride around your neighbourhood would be ideal. A great way to increase your fitness and tone up your legs too!
Roller Blading – this might seem a little odd however it is a great way to get fit and have some fun at the same time. I would suggest finding an appropriate location, as you want it to be fairly flat with as little traffic as possible. There are indoor places you can do this too – however as its summer it would be great to get outside.
Old school, stuck in the mud, tag etc. these games are classics and you can never get too old for them. They are still fun whether you are ‘it’ or you are being chased down. Great for fitness and dynamic movements, which keep you on your toes.
Bootcamp/Obstacle courses – if there isn’t one of these in your local area for you can enjoy, you can make your own! You won’t need a lot and it will be part of the fun (and exercise) to put it together! Old tyres, logs, things to climb, and running between objects will give you plenty to be getting on with!
Canoeing – this might be something to do with your older children or if your kids are strong swimmers. A very strenuous and exhilarating sport to try. This is something that will require planning and will cost more than a bike ride or playing in the garden. This could be more for a special day out to enjoy as family to mark the day.
Colour Run – this is a great way to have fun and do something good. Entering a fun run together means you have a reason to train and a date to aim for. You can raise money for charity and get fit at the same time – win win!
Hiking/Rock Climbing – probably another special day out to have as a family, which is quite vigorous. This would be for older kids as it can be quite dangerous and you would need to have some lessons or at least have some guidance before going out alone as a family.
Ball games – rounders, tennis, badminton and cricket are all traditional games you can enjoy as a family. Ideal for BBQ events to get everyone involved in too. Great for coordination and fitness, lots of fun as well as team building.
Gardening – something that can be done without getting out of breath. Don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s easy! Crouching down planting flowers or digging up weeds is hard work and you will definitely feel in the next day. The best thing about gardening is you can see what your hard work has achieved! Children can be given their own area to grow food, which will also help with healthy eating!
Are there any other activities you think would be great?
Comment below with your thoughts, as I would love to hear them.
If you would like any help getting fitter and healthier this summer, please just drop me an email at polly@thefitmumformula.com