Hey, I don't know if you've checked the calendar lately but mine now says 2012! A new year is the perfect time for a new you! Getting active and physically fit is a good commitment to make to yourself. It may be chilly outside but if you can get out there and get active for a little while each day, your body and your mind will be all the better for it.
Exercising doesn't have to be a chore. It doesn't have to be painful or boring. Make it fun! Here are ways to have fun and exercise at the same time:
1. Go for a walk or walk your dog
2. Play hopscotch
3. Jump rope
4. Play tag with your friends
5. Visit a zoo and walk around
6. Ride your bike
7. Play Frisbee
8. Pick up trash and sticks around your neighborhood
9. Take a dance class
10. Go bowling
11. Play touch football
12. Shovel snow or build a snow fort
Just because it's cold outside it shouldn't keep you from getting out and enjoying the fresh air. So warm up and get active! It's a new year and a chance for a new you!
WEEKEND ACTIVITY:
BASEMENT GYM
Turn your basement or any play area into an exercise gym this weekend. Put a mat or an old blanket down and try each of these exercises.
Sit-Ups
Lie on your back and bend your knees. Cross your arms over your chest to make an X with your hands touching the opposite shoulder or touch your hands together behind your head. Raise the top half of your body up and touch your chin to your knees. Lower your back to the mat. Do 10 of these.
Push-Ups
Lie face-down on the mat and push yourself up with just your feet and hands. Keep your body straight and feet and legs in the same position during the exercise, raising and lowering your body to the mat. Do 10 of these.
Jumping Jacks
Stand with your feet together, arms at your sides. Jump and spread your feet a little father than shoulder-width apart as you raise your arms above your head and clap your hands. Bring your arms back to your sides and as you jump again bring your feet back together. Do 20 of these.
Running in Place
Run on the mat, picking your legs up and placing them back down without going anywhere. Do this for one minute.
