Last year we would return from picking up my daughter from school, and I made her sit at the kitchen table and immediately get homework done. In order for her to sit I would keep feeding her. Not only did this mean she ate two suppers, she also hated homework. She had no time to play.
This year I told her we were going to explore all of the parks (playgrounds) in our area. We’ve driven even 10 minutes to get to some of these parks, but that’s not so bad. Both of my kids play for 20-30 minutes and then we head home. Being me, I’ve kept a list of what parks we have visited and what dates.
We look forward to it every afternoon. I get to watch them while getting steps. I call it “Park Circling” in my head, well, now I’ve typed it and you can make fun of me for it.
My birthday present from my folks was a Garmin Vivofit. (Think FitBit). I set my watch for “walk” when we arrive at the playground then I just keep moving. Usually it looks a lot like laps. But I ran track in high school, so walking in a circle isn’t that bad. I usually walk the border of whatever playground we are on, staying on the soft fall-able ground cover. It’s better on my knees than a sidewalk. In 20 minutes at a park I can walk over a little over a mile. I keep moving unless my kids need assistance, but I’m usually able to keep a steady pace even while watching the kids.
How about you? How do you get in exercise in creative ways?
manageable mess 