If it’s not fun, it’s not getting done.
Thu, Nov 3, 2011
How can a map, some painter’s tape and a couch turn into fun fitness? You’d be surprised.
When I was having trouble fitting exercise into my schedule, I had a look at the different parts of my day and realized that my best plan was to try to work with the kids instead of around them.
That’s why our family goal for the summer is to visit all 54 playgrounds in our city and, when possible, to walk to them.
That’s where the map comes in. We have every playground circled, and a plan for when to visit which one. Sometimes we even hit 3 or 4 in one day. The challenge is that this part of Newfoundland can have some crappy weather (20+ days of fog in June. Yes, you read that right.) that can put a damper on outdoor plans.
That’s when I go to plan B: the painter’s tape. So far, I have made a living room hopscotch board (using Roman numerals – all geek, all the time here), a set of lines to practice Taekwon-do (slide step to the first line, turn step back), a starting line for an obstacle course (over the pillows, under the table, hop down the hall).
And when that fails me, I turn to the couch. Not to become a potato, but so we can play ‘No Boys on the Couch!’ a game that is basically me trying to stop them from sitting on the couch while they try to sneak past me and sit down. It gets quite hectic and by the time I give up, we’re all giggling and sweaty.
It may not be the perfect recipe for fitness, but it does get me moving. And it reminds me that when I can schedule exercise, it is okay to stick with stuff that I enjoy. I think seeing me enjoy movement for its own sake is probably the best fitness lesson I can teach my sons.
Well, that, and to always keep a roll of painter’s tape handy.
Christine blogs at mombie.com
We had a blizzard last winter that kept us housebound for two solid weeks. We blew up a ton of balloons and played volleyball with them without worry of breaking anything. Fun memories!
Oh, that would be fun! Good thinking.
I am not sure what number is crazier ….54 playgrounds or 20+ days of fog! I think your adventures are perfect!!
Thank you for sharing! Have fun having fun!!
xox
The 20 days of fog were mind-numbing,truly. Thanks for the vote of confidence!
That sounds like a really fun goal. Never thought of something like that!
I’m sure you do equally fun things!
Not my type of weather!
Love how you make the best of it to keep active – very imaginative!
Thanks! It’s not my type of weather either, but I love living here and the weather (sometimes!) gets better.
Lol that’s so cool! Luckily all my fitness relies on DVD’s so I’m pretty safe if I’m stuck in the house (like now that we temporarily down to one car and hubby needs it). Days like today I also count my cleaning as part of my workout or lets say in 3 months when we move that’ll be a hell of a workout!
Thanks! I count cleaning, too. If I’m feeling ambitious, I alternate upstairs and downstairs tasks so I have to dash up and down. Gotta do something to improve housework!
I try to apply all the FUN RULES of fitness to all areas of life… just 5 minutes of something is better than zero minutes of nothing!
Exactly! And why not find the fun in something you’re doing anyway?
If we’re pressed for time, we do a few rounds of ‘wiggle-butt dance party’ – blasting music and twisting down as close to the floor as possible.
Fabulous.
This applies to so many routine things; we can shake it up, find a way to make it fun.
We used to do that with vacuuming, the kids would play bullfighter. The vacuum was the bull, and the other children would wave a washcloth over the area of carpet that needed attention. The bull would charge and get it up.
They had fun, and the vacuuming was a joy, not a chore.
I know how I’m going to vacuum from now on! That’s great.
It’s true, there’s almost always a way to make things more fun.
visiting 54 parks, I totally love that idea!!
Thanks! We’ve done a lot of climbing and swinging.
These are fantastic ideas. My boys will love them, I’m sure. Great article!
I hope so, Tina! Glad you liked them.
I love that! So innovative!
Glad you liked it, and thanks!
Great ideas Christine! I like playing with the kids like that too – our favorite is fitness class where the girls lead mommy through a workout
Thanks, Janice. My boys and I do the same thing – the only downside is that I think my youngest has a career as a contortionist! His brother and I have trouble keeping up.