​​​With schedules and routines turned upside-down, you may be wondering how to fit daily exercise into your new “normal". After a busy day working from home, schooling kids, making meals, and managing a few chores around the house, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. Physical fitness does wonders for mental health and according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should get at least one hour of physical activity every day.

Think of exercise as fun for the whole family. By doing activities together, parents and children will benefit from the physical exercise and as a bonus, get to spend quality time doing fun activities together.

Fitness Ideas During Social Distancing

• Take a walk. Bring your dog, stroll with your small children in a wagon or race to the end of the block. Point out things in your neighborhood and talk about them.
• Dance, dance, dance. Turn on your favorite song and make up a dance routine. Each family member can make up his/her own dance moves and other family members can judge each other on talent and difficulty.
• Do some yoga. Not only is yoga good for strength and endurance, it is a great way to relax your mind. Check websites for local yoga studios near you! They may be offering free classes online. YouTube can also be a good resource for yoga routines for all ages.
• Go green. Gardening is hard work! It uses almost every muscle in your body. Jump in a pile of leaves or have your children help plant flowers. It's never exercise when you can have fun getting messy.
• Virtual workout classes. Many gyms and trainers are offering free virtual workout classes while people are encouraged to stay home. Pick a consistent time daily and tune in to a class as a family.
• Think outside the box. Physical fitness can be different for everyone! Aim to get up and move your body for 60 minutes per day in any way that works for you.
  
  

The best advice to help kids and families exercise is to make it fun! Think of what your family likes to do together and make up your own exercise routine. A family that exercises together, stays fit together!

Free Virtual Fitness Activities

• 13 Free Online Workouts to Try at Home
• 7 Apps and Social Media Pages Offering Free Programs
• 30 No Equipment Workouts to Do at Home