Family Fitness: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Fun Relay Races for Kids
Relay races are a great way to entertain a group of kids, indoors or out, with little to no advance prep. Plus they're adaptable to all kinds of party themes.
Relay races are a great way to entertain a group of kids, indoors or out, with little to no advance prep. Plus they're adaptable to all kinds of party themes.
Build Gross Motor Skills
Preschoolers are developing gross motor skills—learning to use the large muscles in their legs, arms, and trunk--so they need lots of opportunities to move their bodies. Try these playful physical activities to help build your child's skills.
Preschoolers are developing gross motor skills—learning to use the large muscles in their legs, arms, and trunk--so they need lots of opportunities to move their bodies. Try these playful physical activities to help build your child's skills.
Indoor Party Games
Indoor party games that get kids moving are a boon for guests, hosts, and guests' parents too! These indoor party games require little to no equipment, just a little space and a lot of enthusiasm.
Indoor party games that get kids moving are a boon for guests, hosts, and guests' parents too! These indoor party games require little to no equipment, just a little space and a lot of enthusiasm.
Outdoor Activities for Kids
Outdoor activities for kids keep them busy and burning energy for hours at a time. Try these suggestions for outdoor exercise and play in your backyard, park, or playing field.
Outdoor activities for kids keep them busy and burning energy for hours at a time. Try these suggestions for outdoor exercise and play in your backyard, park, or playing field.
12 Rainy Day Activities
Bad weather doesn't have to equal boredom and a day spent on the couch. Try one of these rainy day activities that encourage physical fitness and play; suitable for children of all ages.
Bad weather doesn't have to equal boredom and a day spent on the couch. Try one of these rainy day activities that encourage physical fitness and play; suitable for children of all ages.
Outdoor Party Games
Keep guests busy at your next kids' birthday party: Turn them loose outside, then gather them for these active, outdoor party games.
Keep guests busy at your next kids' birthday party: Turn them loose outside, then gather them for these active, outdoor party games.
Set Up a Treasure Hunt Game
Try setting up a treasure hunt game for a birthday party, special occasion (first or last day of school, for example), or just a rainy day. Older kids can also set up a treasure hunt for littler siblings or cousins.
Try setting up a treasure hunt game for a birthday party, special occasion (first or last day of school, for example), or just a rainy day. Older kids can also set up a treasure hunt for littler siblings or cousins.
The Best Sports for Kids
Looking for the best sports for kids? Joining a team encourages your child to be active, practice teamwork, and learn new skills. He may even find an activity he'll enjoy for decades to come. So choose sports for kids with care.
Looking for the best sports for kids? Joining a team encourages your child to be active, practice teamwork, and learn new skills. He may even find an activity he'll enjoy for decades to come. So choose sports for kids with care.
Healthy Half-Time Snacks
Learn the best healthy half-time snacks for kids, plus what to eat before and after a game. Kids' nutritional needs are different in the hours before and after physical activity, so provide pre-game, post-game, and snacks that give young athletes the nutrients they need.
Learn the best healthy half-time snacks for kids, plus what to eat before and after a game. Kids' nutritional needs are different in the hours before and after physical activity, so provide pre-game, post-game, and snacks that give young athletes the nutrients they need.
Kids Stretching Exercises
After a sports practice or extended play session, or any time your child's muscles feel tense or tight, encourage her to try some simple kids' stretching exercises. She should stretch when her muscles are warmed up. These kids' stretching exercises are easy to do and feel good.
After a sports practice or extended play session, or any time your child's muscles feel tense or tight, encourage her to try some simple kids' stretching exercises. She should stretch when her muscles are warmed up. These kids' stretching exercises are easy to do and feel good.
Fitness Vocab: Locomotor Skill
: Locomotor skills are those motor skills in which the feet move the body from one place to another.
: Locomotor skills are those motor skills in which the feet move the body from one place to another.
8 Water Play Ideas
Motivate kids to get moving with water play, water games, and water activities that require little to no equipment or set-up. Play in the backyard with a garden hose or wash the car. Visit a local fountain or creek.
Motivate kids to get moving with water play, water games, and water activities that require little to no equipment or set-up. Play in the backyard with a garden hose or wash the car. Visit a local fountain or creek.
Best Ride-On Toys
Find adorable ride-on toys for little kids, from scooters to buggies to balance bikes.
Find adorable ride-on toys for little kids, from scooters to buggies to balance bikes.
Active Party Games
Help kids burn off energy and excitement with party games that get them active and moving. These party games work for birthdays and other kids' events, indoors and outdoors.
Help kids burn off energy and excitement with party games that get them active and moving. These party games work for birthdays and other kids' events, indoors and outdoors.
How to Play Capture the Flag
Capture the flag is a favorite backyard game that offers players a good mix of fitness and fun. Play capture the flag outside with two to four teams of any size.
Capture the flag is a favorite backyard game that offers players a good mix of fitness and fun. Play capture the flag outside with two to four teams of any size.
Michelle Obama Quotes
As part of Let's Move, her campaign to eliminate childhood obesity, the First Lady speaks frequently about kids' health, nutrition, and fitness. These Michelle Obama quotes represent a sample of some her comments on these topics.
As part of Let's Move, her campaign to eliminate childhood obesity, the First Lady speaks frequently about kids' health, nutrition, and fitness. These Michelle Obama quotes represent a sample of some her comments on these topics.
Couch to 5K Program App
Read a review of the Couch to 5K app for iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad (has since been renamed Ease Into 5K). The Couch to 5K program takes you through an incremental, nine-week plan through visual and audio cues.
Read a review of the Couch to 5K app for iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad (has since been renamed Ease Into 5K). The Couch to 5K program takes you through an incremental, nine-week plan through visual and audio cues.
Play the 7-Up Game
Do you remember this one from your childhood? To play the 7-Up game, all you need is a smooth, flat surface (it can be either a wall or a floor, indoors or out) and a bouncy ball, such as a tennis ball. Kids can even play 7-Up game alone.
Do you remember this one from your childhood? To play the 7-Up game, all you need is a smooth, flat surface (it can be either a wall or a floor, indoors or out) and a bouncy ball, such as a tennis ball. Kids can even play 7-Up game alone.
10 Lifestyle Changes
These 10 tips for kids' weight loss includes ways for parents to help overweight kids lose weight, improve nutrition and increase amount of physical activity. Recommends steps to encourage children to enjoy fitness and change a sedentary lifestyle.
These 10 tips for kids' weight loss includes ways for parents to help overweight kids lose weight, improve nutrition and increase amount of physical activity. Recommends steps to encourage children to enjoy fitness and change a sedentary lifestyle.
Review: Wat-aah! Bottled Water
Review and taste test of Wat-Aah! premium water designed especially for kids, with no artificial flavors, colors, additives, or sugar and packaged in a BPA-free, recyclable plastic bottle.
Review and taste test of Wat-Aah! premium water designed especially for kids, with no artificial flavors, colors, additives, or sugar and packaged in a BPA-free, recyclable plastic bottle.
Vocab: Target Heart Rate
: Your target heart rate is 50% to 85% of your maximum heart rate. It is the level at which your heart
: Your target heart rate is 50% to 85% of your maximum heart rate. It is the level at which your heart
Dealing with Disappointment
Dealing with disappointment in sports is an opportunity for kids to learn character traits like resilience, determination, and good sportsmanship.
Dealing with disappointment in sports is an opportunity for kids to learn character traits like resilience, determination, and good sportsmanship.
Kickball for All
No matter your age or ability, kickball will get you kicking, running, and laughing. It doesn't matter if you haven't played since you were a kid. Kickball rules are easy to learn and it's a perfect, active family game.
No matter your age or ability, kickball will get you kicking, running, and laughing. It doesn't matter if you haven't played since you were a kid. Kickball rules are easy to learn and it's a perfect, active family game.
Fitness for Preschoolers
Preschoolers need just as much daily physical activity as older kids and adults do (60 minutes a day). What kind of physical activity for preschoolers is most fun and effective? Find suggestions for physical activity for preschoolers.
Preschoolers need just as much daily physical activity as older kids and adults do (60 minutes a day). What kind of physical activity for preschoolers is most fun and effective? Find suggestions for physical activity for preschoolers.
Swimming Pool Checklist
Use this swimming pool checklist to keep your pool bag stocked with essentials and ready for a trip to the pool at a moment's notice.
Use this swimming pool checklist to keep your pool bag stocked with essentials and ready for a trip to the pool at a moment's notice.
Cooperative Party Games
Cooperative kids' birthday party games means everyone plays and has fun, but no one has to lose. These noncompetitive games are also designed to make sure everyone gets plenty of physical activity too.
Cooperative kids' birthday party games means everyone plays and has fun, but no one has to lose. These noncompetitive games are also designed to make sure everyone gets plenty of physical activity too.
Kickball Games and Variations
When ordinary kickball games get boring, try an extra-ordinary variation. Kickball is easy to learn and play and so are these alternatives. All you need is a ball and some willing participants.
When ordinary kickball games get boring, try an extra-ordinary variation. Kickball is easy to learn and play and so are these alternatives. All you need is a ball and some willing participants.
Kids Stretching & Flexibility
Just like adults, kids need to stretch their bodies. Especially during growth spurts, children's and teens' muscles may be tight. Make kids' stretching a part of their regular routine.
Just like adults, kids need to stretch their bodies. Especially during growth spurts, children's and teens' muscles may be tight. Make kids' stretching a part of their regular routine.
Teach Kids How to Ride a Bike
Ready to teach your child how to ride a bike? Start by choosing from one of three popular methods: training wheels, an undersized balance bike, or a full-sized bike with a parent running alongside.
Ready to teach your child how to ride a bike? Start by choosing from one of three popular methods: training wheels, an undersized balance bike, or a full-sized bike with a parent running alongside.
Fun with Swimming Pool Noodles
Swimming pool noodles are lightweight, inexpensive, and very versatile. Use the for all kinds of indoor and outdoor games and active play.
Swimming pool noodles are lightweight, inexpensive, and very versatile. Use the for all kinds of indoor and outdoor games and active play.
Fitness for School-Aged Kids
Get the latest facts and recommendations on physical activities and fitness for school-age children, both at home and at school. Find suggestions for sports and other physical activities, plus ways to encourage physical play and movement every day.
Get the latest facts and recommendations on physical activities and fitness for school-age children, both at home and at school. Find suggestions for sports and other physical activities, plus ways to encourage physical play and movement every day.
Vocab: Plyometric Training
: Plyometric training is an intense, advanced form of exercise in which the muscles are first stretched,
: Plyometric training is an intense, advanced form of exercise in which the muscles are first stretched,
Vocab: Manipulative Skills
: Manipulative skills are motor skills involving an object. For small muscles, this might mean a pencil
: Manipulative skills are motor skills involving an object. For small muscles, this might mean a pencil
Top Outdoor Toys
Outdoor toys keep kids busy and active on long summer days. Try these top picks for this summer's best outdoor toys.
Outdoor toys keep kids busy and active on long summer days. Try these top picks for this summer's best outdoor toys.
Sidewalk Chalk Games
Sidewalk chalk is inexpensive and kids love it. But have you ever thought about using it promote active play? Try these games and activities to get kids moving on your driveway, sidewalk, or playground.
Sidewalk chalk is inexpensive and kids love it. But have you ever thought about using it promote active play? Try these games and activities to get kids moving on your driveway, sidewalk, or playground.
Let's Move Campaign
First Lady Michelle Obama's obesity awareness and prevention campaign, Let's Moveis her passion and her mission. For Mrs. Obama, obesity is a crisis, especially for children and families, and one that must be addressed aggressively.
First Lady Michelle Obama's obesity awareness and prevention campaign, Let's Moveis her passion and her mission. For Mrs. Obama, obesity is a crisis, especially for children and families, and one that must be addressed aggressively.
Activities for Kids with Casts
For kids with casts, sedentary play and even screen time can get old fast. With your doctor's OK, try these activities that allow for a little exercise, even with an arm or leg in a cast.
For kids with casts, sedentary play and even screen time can get old fast. With your doctor's OK, try these activities that allow for a little exercise, even with an arm or leg in a cast.
Beach Packing List
Use this beach packing list to stock your tote bag for a family day trip to the beach. Includes sun safety essentials and fun items too.
Use this beach packing list to stock your tote bag for a family day trip to the beach. Includes sun safety essentials and fun items too.
Vocab: Metabolic Equivalent
: MET stands for Metabolic Equivalent for Task . It is a unit used to compare the working metabolic rate
: MET stands for Metabolic Equivalent for Task . It is a unit used to compare the working metabolic rate
Walking Games for Kids
Walking games are the best way to keep whines at bay during a hike or walk. Try these simple activities to help children pass the time on a family hike or when you walk to school or the playground.
Walking games are the best way to keep whines at bay during a hike or walk. Try these simple activities to help children pass the time on a family hike or when you walk to school or the playground.
Bring Outdoor Games Inside
There are some simple, fun and safe ways to transform outdoor play into indoor games for kids! Use them to add physical activity to your children's day, and to help them practice sports skills inside.
There are some simple, fun and safe ways to transform outdoor play into indoor games for kids! Use them to add physical activity to your children's day, and to help them practice sports skills inside.
Rainy Day Activities for Teens
It's a challenge to find non-sedentary rainy day activities for teens and tweens. After all, they can no longer run and jump indoors like they did as toddlers (at least not without causing a big ruckus). Try these more practical rainy day activities to get teens moving inside.
It's a challenge to find non-sedentary rainy day activities for teens and tweens. After all, they can no longer run and jump indoors like they did as toddlers (at least not without causing a big ruckus). Try these more practical rainy day activities to get teens moving inside.
Profile: Kids' Baseball
Baseball and its close cousin softball are all-American classics and enjoyed by thousands of kids. Is your child eager to play Little League or join another youth baseball team? Find out more about this sport.
Baseball and its close cousin softball are all-American classics and enjoyed by thousands of kids. Is your child eager to play Little League or join another youth baseball team? Find out more about this sport.
Tween and Teen Fitness
Just like adults and younger kids, teens need 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day to stay healthy. Find out more about how teen fitness reduces stress, improves self-esteem, boosts academic performance, and helps adolescents manage their weight.
Just like adults and younger kids, teens need 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day to stay healthy. Find out more about how teen fitness reduces stress, improves self-esteem, boosts academic performance, and helps adolescents manage their weight.
How to Play Pirates' Treasure
Pirates' Treasure is a variation on Capture the Flag that swaps beanbag "treasure" for colorful flags.
Pirates' Treasure is a variation on Capture the Flag that swaps beanbag "treasure" for colorful flags.
Active Games to Play Alone
Solo play needn't mean sedentary play. With these active games for kids to play by themselves, kids get some of the physical activity they need every day without having to find a play partner. Suggest these games for kids to play alone when your child needs some physical play but has no one to play with.
Solo play needn't mean sedentary play. With these active games for kids to play by themselves, kids get some of the physical activity they need every day without having to find a play partner. Suggest these games for kids to play alone when your child needs some physical play but has no one to play with.
Starting Competitive Sports
Competitive sports teams hold lots of appeal for kids, but is yours ready to take on the challenge? Ask yourself these questions to make the right decision for your child.
Competitive sports teams hold lots of appeal for kids, but is yours ready to take on the challenge? Ask yourself these questions to make the right decision for your child.
Too Much TV? Set Screen Limits
When kids watch too much TV (or spend time with other screens, like those on computers, smartphones, tablets, and video games), they are at risk for some serious health problems. Try these strategies for encouraging your family to adopt a more active lifestyle.
When kids watch too much TV (or spend time with other screens, like those on computers, smartphones, tablets, and video games), they are at risk for some serious health problems. Try these strategies for encouraging your family to adopt a more active lifestyle.
Exercise With Children
Exercise with children by turning playtime into a workout, and vice versa. Find out how to modify physical fitness activities for kids so that families can exercise together.
Exercise with children by turning playtime into a workout, and vice versa. Find out how to modify physical fitness activities for kids so that families can exercise together.
Start a Kids' Running Club
Starting a kids' running club is easy and very inexpensive, plus you can join in on the exercise yourself. Talk to other parents at your child's school and work together to start a club.
Starting a kids' running club is easy and very inexpensive, plus you can join in on the exercise yourself. Talk to other parents at your child's school and work together to start a club.
How Motor Skills Develop
A gross motor skills development timeline tells you when you can expect your child to crawl, walk, and run, and how to help build large motor skills and muscles.
A gross motor skills development timeline tells you when you can expect your child to crawl, walk, and run, and how to help build large motor skills and muscles.
Teach Activity
Exercise for kids is important, and it's critical to teach kids about being active early in life. Find ways to do that, and what the benefits are for both the kids and the parents; plus three easy activities to do anytime. Includes advice from movement specialist Rae Pica.
Exercise for kids is important, and it's critical to teach kids about being active early in life. Find ways to do that, and what the benefits are for both the kids and the parents; plus three easy activities to do anytime. Includes advice from movement specialist Rae Pica.
Product Review - Polar FA20
Guide review of the Polar FA20 activity computer/wristwatch. This pedometer alternative is an easy-to-use way to record, and encourage, everyday physical activity along with fitness training.
Guide review of the Polar FA20 activity computer/wristwatch. This pedometer alternative is an easy-to-use way to record, and encourage, everyday physical activity along with fitness training.
Review - 30-Day Shred DVD
Guide review of the popular fitness DVD, Jillian Michaels' 30-Day Shred. Michaels is a celebrity trainer who helps contestants on NBC's The Biggest Loser drop pounds fast. Here she translates those intense sessions into a short workout you can do at home: the 30-Day Shred.
Guide review of the popular fitness DVD, Jillian Michaels' 30-Day Shred. Michaels is a celebrity trainer who helps contestants on NBC's The Biggest Loser drop pounds fast. Here she translates those intense sessions into a short workout you can do at home: the 30-Day Shred.
Snacks with Fruit and Veggies
Up your family's produce intake by serving fruits and vegetables at snacktime. Try these suggestions for healthy snacks with fruit and vegetable ingredients.
Up your family's produce intake by serving fruits and vegetables at snacktime. Try these suggestions for healthy snacks with fruit and vegetable ingredients.
5 Activities to Do With Kids
List five simple activities families can do together to promote active play, movement, fitness, and exercise. Most require little to no equipment or advance preparation and can be done indoors or outside. Suitable for a variety of ages and physical abilities.
List five simple activities families can do together to promote active play, movement, fitness, and exercise. Most require little to no equipment or advance preparation and can be done indoors or outside. Suitable for a variety of ages and physical abilities.
Preschool Outdoor Toys
Encourage active play with preschool outdoor toys, especially for young children. Help preschoolers enjoy outside play time with safe, fun, age-appropriate outdoor toys.
Encourage active play with preschool outdoor toys, especially for young children. Help preschoolers enjoy outside play time with safe, fun, age-appropriate outdoor toys.
Profile: Kids Swimming
Kids swimming is a great workout and offers both an individual and team experience. Swimming is an important lifelong skill. Find the basics on this popular sport for kids, from costs to risks to finding a swim team or club in your area.
Kids swimming is a great workout and offers both an individual and team experience. Swimming is an important lifelong skill. Find the basics on this popular sport for kids, from costs to risks to finding a swim team or club in your area.
Artsy Motor Skills Activities
Got a child who'd rather draw pictures or string beads than play outside any day? While those fine motor skills activities are good for his brain and body, he needs large motor skills activities too (projects that get him really moving his arms, legs, and trunk). The good news is that you can use his creative passion to inspire active, muscle-building play. Try one of these projects that stretch both creative and large motor skills.
Got a child who'd rather draw pictures or string beads than play outside any day? While those fine motor skills activities are good for his brain and body, he needs large motor skills activities too (projects that get him really moving his arms, legs, and trunk). The good news is that you can use his creative passion to inspire active, muscle-building play. Try one of these projects that stretch both creative and large motor skills.
Why Kids Need Water
Kids need water every day to stay healthy and hydrated. The best beverages for children are water, low-fat milk, and 100% fruit juice.
Kids need water every day to stay healthy and hydrated. The best beverages for children are water, low-fat milk, and 100% fruit juice.
Help With Sports Anxiety
Call it game-day jitters or butterflies in the stomach--but sports anxiety isn't just for pros, or adults. Kids and teens can feel it too. Here's how to help kids who are worried about a sporting event, performance, or game.
Call it game-day jitters or butterflies in the stomach--but sports anxiety isn't just for pros, or adults. Kids and teens can feel it too. Here's how to help kids who are worried about a sporting event, performance, or game.
Riding Toys for Kids, Tweens
Find exciting riding toys for kids and tweens, from the latest Razor scooter to helmet covers that make safety more fun.
Find exciting riding toys for kids and tweens, from the latest Razor scooter to helmet covers that make safety more fun.
Active Toys for Little Kids
Suggests active toys for children (toddlers and preschoolers). These toys encourage physical activity and movement for small children and many can be used indoors or outdoors.
Suggests active toys for children (toddlers and preschoolers). These toys encourage physical activity and movement for small children and many can be used indoors or outdoors.
Profile: Kids' Soccer
Kids' soccer is an ideal team sport for beginners, with lots of potential for learning, fitness, and development. Find the basics on this popular kids' sport, from costs to risks to finding a kids' soccer program in your area.
Kids' soccer is an ideal team sport for beginners, with lots of potential for learning, fitness, and development. Find the basics on this popular kids' sport, from costs to risks to finding a kids' soccer program in your area.
Halloween Party Games
These active Halloween games are suitable for all ages and for large or small groups. These fun activities encourage physical activity and fun with a Halloween theme.
These active Halloween games are suitable for all ages and for large or small groups. These fun activities encourage physical activity and fun with a Halloween theme.
Healthy Snacks to Go
Be ready for those after-school or in-the-car munchies: Stock up on healthy snacks to go. These packable, portable snacks provide good nutrition and a burst of energy for busy kids and parents.
Be ready for those after-school or in-the-car munchies: Stock up on healthy snacks to go. These packable, portable snacks provide good nutrition and a burst of energy for busy kids and parents.
How to Play Sock Tag
Sock tag is a game that's fun for a group, requires little equipment, and really gets kids moving. You can also play a variation called Dragon's Tail Tag.
Sock tag is a game that's fun for a group, requires little equipment, and really gets kids moving. You can also play a variation called Dragon's Tail Tag.
Homemade Fitness Equipment
Use everyday household items to make inexpensive or free homemade fitness equipment for kids an adults. Suggests simple ways to make fitness equipment and ways to use it.
Use everyday household items to make inexpensive or free homemade fitness equipment for kids an adults. Suggests simple ways to make fitness equipment and ways to use it.
Food Should Taste Good Chips
Food Should Taste Good tortilla chips are just as tasty as traditional corn chips, but they contain more protein and fiber, plus nutrition-rich quinoa and flax seeds. These chips still contain fat and sodium, but no trans fats.
Food Should Taste Good tortilla chips are just as tasty as traditional corn chips, but they contain more protein and fiber, plus nutrition-rich quinoa and flax seeds. These chips still contain fat and sodium, but no trans fats.
Profile: Ice Hockey
The slam-bang sport of kids ice hockey isn't just for boys, or big kids either. Find the basics on this popular youth sport, from costs (yes, they can be high) to risks to finding a program in your area.
The slam-bang sport of kids ice hockey isn't just for boys, or big kids either. Find the basics on this popular youth sport, from costs (yes, they can be high) to risks to finding a program in your area.
Swimming Pool Rules
Lower your child's risk of drowning by following these important swimming pool rules. A backyard pool requires pool safety equipment and constant supervision.
Lower your child's risk of drowning by following these important swimming pool rules. A backyard pool requires pool safety equipment and constant supervision.
Healthy Protein Snacks
If kids are clamoring for something to eat, fill them up with healthy protein snacks. Foods containing protein are more filling than starches and usually contain more nutrients. Try these ideas for healthy protein snacks.
If kids are clamoring for something to eat, fill them up with healthy protein snacks. Foods containing protein are more filling than starches and usually contain more nutrients. Try these ideas for healthy protein snacks.
Make Fitness Fun - 10 Top Tips
It's important for everyone in your family to get plenty of physical activity. But the lure of the couch can be strong. Sometimes, to make fitness fun for everyone, you need to kick it up a notch. Try one of these motivators.
It's important for everyone in your family to get plenty of physical activity. But the lure of the couch can be strong. Sometimes, to make fitness fun for everyone, you need to kick it up a notch. Try one of these motivators.
Fitness Vocabulary Term: Fats
: Fats , along with protein and carbohydrates, are a source of food energy ( calories ). They are a combination
: Fats , along with protein and carbohydrates, are a source of food energy ( calories ). They are a combination
Vigorous Physical Activity
: Vigorous physical activity is intense exercise that requires more than 7 METs of effort. During vigorous
: Vigorous physical activity is intense exercise that requires more than 7 METs of effort. During vigorous
Exercise at Home in 10 Minutes
For many busy parents, the only way to fit in fitness is to exercise at home. Carve out 10 minutes three times a day to exercise at home and you will reap real health benefits.
For many busy parents, the only way to fit in fitness is to exercise at home. Carve out 10 minutes three times a day to exercise at home and you will reap real health benefits.
Have a Ball
Playing with balls helps kids build motor skills, plus it's fun. Find out about the best balls for kids at each age and stage, plus games to play with balls.
Playing with balls helps kids build motor skills, plus it's fun. Find out about the best balls for kids at each age and stage, plus games to play with balls.
Vocab: Overuse Injury
: Repetitive stress injury is an injury caused by chronic stress, strain, or overuse on a body part,
: Repetitive stress injury is an injury caused by chronic stress, strain, or overuse on a body part,
What to Say After a Game
Win or lose, boost your child's self-esteem with supportive comments and questions after games, races, and other sporting events.
Win or lose, boost your child's self-esteem with supportive comments and questions after games, races, and other sporting events.
Starting Swim Lessons
Children should start swim lessons when they are developmentally ready to learn to swim, although some evidence suggests that earlier swim lessons may help prevent drowning. Water readiness programs for toddlers and preschoolers can help prepare kids for swim lessons when they are older.
Children should start swim lessons when they are developmentally ready to learn to swim, although some evidence suggests that earlier swim lessons may help prevent drowning. Water readiness programs for toddlers and preschoolers can help prepare kids for swim lessons when they are older.
Active Toys for School-Agers
Suggests 12 active toys for school-age children for gifts. These toys encourage physical activity and movement for kids and include indoor/outdoor toys, sports gear, and multi-player games.
Suggests 12 active toys for school-age children for gifts. These toys encourage physical activity and movement for kids and include indoor/outdoor toys, sports gear, and multi-player games.
Board Games for Kids
For your next family game night, try one of these board games for kids (and parents). Many of them will get you up and moving, and others teach important lessons about health, fitness, and nutrition. Some do both--and all are fun to play! Read a list of suggested board games for kids.
For your next family game night, try one of these board games for kids (and parents). Many of them will get you up and moving, and others teach important lessons about health, fitness, and nutrition. Some do both--and all are fun to play! Read a list of suggested board games for kids.
Indoor Toys for Active Play
These indoor toys and games, for ages 3 to 8, get children up and moving. They include games, play mats, and even video games.
These indoor toys and games, for ages 3 to 8, get children up and moving. They include games, play mats, and even video games.
Deal With a Quitter
Are you afraid your child is a quitter? It can be tough to hear him say he wants to quit a team. But before you say no, listen to his reasons and react accordingly.
Are you afraid your child is a quitter? It can be tough to hear him say he wants to quit a team. But before you say no, listen to his reasons and react accordingly.
How to Play Stop and Go
In this outdoor ball game, teams try to get the ball to their goal line while also preventing the opposing team from doing the same. Stop and Go is a very active game that is easy to learn.
In this outdoor ball game, teams try to get the ball to their goal line while also preventing the opposing team from doing the same. Stop and Go is a very active game that is easy to learn.
Getting Started
Ready to get more fit and active as a family? Great! Here are the hows, whys, and whens of getting started with a family fitness plan.
Ready to get more fit and active as a family? Great! Here are the hows, whys, and whens of getting started with a family fitness plan.
Do-It-Yourself Kids' Fitness Equipment
Use recyclables and household items to make your own kids fitness equipment. These low- to no-cost active toys are simple to create and fun to play with.
Use recyclables and household items to make your own kids fitness equipment. These low- to no-cost active toys are simple to create and fun to play with.
Kids' Gymnastics
For many kids, gymnastics has big appeal: Lots of running, jumping, and cool equipment to play on. Is kids gymnastics the right sport for your child? Get the facts on this youth sport, from how much it costs to how to find a team to what your child might learn.
For many kids, gymnastics has big appeal: Lots of running, jumping, and cool equipment to play on. Is kids gymnastics the right sport for your child? Get the facts on this youth sport, from how much it costs to how to find a team to what your child might learn.
Youth Sports: Football
Ready to try kids football (American-style)? Find out if the classic fall sport of football is right for your child and your family. In addition to tackle football, kids can also choose non-contact or flag football.
Ready to try kids football (American-style)? Find out if the classic fall sport of football is right for your child and your family. In addition to tackle football, kids can also choose non-contact or flag football.
Kids' Active Games
Looking for activities that get your child up and moving? Try these kids' active games that incorporate both fun and fitness.
Looking for activities that get your child up and moving? Try these kids' active games that incorporate both fun and fitness.
How to Play a Soccer Party Game
Did your soccer party get rained out? Keep this game in mind for any indoor party, especially a soccer
Did your soccer party get rained out? Keep this game in mind for any indoor party, especially a soccer
Healthy Snacks for Kids
Snacks can make up a significant portion of your child's calories, so stock up on healthy snacks for kids. Use snacks to boost nutrition and energy to fuel your child's body without unnecessary sugar or fat.
Snacks can make up a significant portion of your child's calories, so stock up on healthy snacks for kids. Use snacks to boost nutrition and energy to fuel your child's body without unnecessary sugar or fat.
Best Kids Toys for Active Play
Whatever occasion you're shopping for--birthday, Christmas, Hanukkah, or just for fun--look for a toy that promotes active play. A new game or toy can inspire hours of healthy physical activity.
Whatever occasion you're shopping for--birthday, Christmas, Hanukkah, or just for fun--look for a toy that promotes active play. A new game or toy can inspire hours of healthy physical activity.
9 Secrets of Active Families
How do active families make time for exercise, and enjoy it? What are the health and fitness strategies of active families? Find out the 9 secrets that keep active families healthy and strong.
How do active families make time for exercise, and enjoy it? What are the health and fitness strategies of active families? Find out the 9 secrets that keep active families healthy and strong.
WingFlyer Z150 Review
The WingFlyer Z150 is a clever new ride-on that combines features of scooters, bicycles, and even elliptical trainers. It's suitable for kids, teens, and most adults and provides a fun, low-impact, and challenging workout.
The WingFlyer Z150 is a clever new ride-on that combines features of scooters, bicycles, and even elliptical trainers. It's suitable for kids, teens, and most adults and provides a fun, low-impact, and challenging workout.
Ice Skate Sharpening Tips
Ice skate sharpening can be confusing (when? where? how often?), so here's a cheat sheet. If your child figure skates or plays ice hockey, be ready for the winter sports season with sharpened skates.
Ice skate sharpening can be confusing (when? where? how often?), so here's a cheat sheet. If your child figure skates or plays ice hockey, be ready for the winter sports season with sharpened skates.
Rainy Day Games for Toddlers
Try these rainy day activities for toddlers when you are stuck inside. Most can be done with everyday household items or toys, and all promote physical fitness and development.
Try these rainy day activities for toddlers when you are stuck inside. Most can be done with everyday household items or toys, and all promote physical fitness and development.
Kids with Physical Disabilities
For children with physical disabilities, sports can be a wonderful opportunity to build strength, learn new skills, and be a part of a community of athletes.
For children with physical disabilities, sports can be a wonderful opportunity to build strength, learn new skills, and be a part of a community of athletes.
Review - Arctic Ease
Arctic Ease wraps and pads are handy for applying cold therapy to sore or injured muscles and joints. They are easier to use than ice packs and don't require advance refrigeration or freezing.
Arctic Ease wraps and pads are handy for applying cold therapy to sore or injured muscles and joints. They are easier to use than ice packs and don't require advance refrigeration or freezing.
Blue Diamond Nut Thins
Blue Diamond Nut Thins are tasty rice crackers made a little more nutritious with the addition of healthy fat and protein from almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans.
Blue Diamond Nut Thins are tasty rice crackers made a little more nutritious with the addition of healthy fat and protein from almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans.
Fitness Vocab: Electrolytes
: Electrolytes are minerals in the blood (and other body fluids) that carry an electric charge, such
: Electrolytes are minerals in the blood (and other body fluids) that carry an electric charge, such
Way Cool Water Toys
Keep kids cool, busy, and active on hot summer days with fun water toys. These work in the backyard, pool, lake, or ocean for lots of fun, wet, warm-weather play.
Keep kids cool, busy, and active on hot summer days with fun water toys. These work in the backyard, pool, lake, or ocean for lots of fun, wet, warm-weather play.
Fitness for Reluctant Kids
Kids' fitness is critically important, but it can be hard for parents to encourage fitness in today's sedentary culture. Find resources and advice for encouraging a reluctant child to be more physically active.
Kids' fitness is critically important, but it can be hard for parents to encourage fitness in today's sedentary culture. Find resources and advice for encouraging a reluctant child to be more physically active.
Vocab: Cardiorespiratory
: Cardiorespiratory endurance is the body's ability to sustain dynamic exercise, using large muscle groups,
: Cardiorespiratory endurance is the body's ability to sustain dynamic exercise, using large muscle groups,
Bonding Benefits
Sharing physical play helps create family closeness as well as promoting good health. Learn how and why to play together as a family.
Sharing physical play helps create family closeness as well as promoting good health. Learn how and why to play together as a family.
Teach Sportsmanship
With kids starting soccer at 3 and swim team at 5, teaching sportsmanship is more important than ever. Forty million kids are playing youth sports today. This means a greater emphasis on winning, but also offers an opportunity to teach sportsmanship early and often. The best time to instill values is when kids are younger.
With kids starting soccer at 3 and swim team at 5, teaching sportsmanship is more important than ever. Forty million kids are playing youth sports today. This means a greater emphasis on winning, but also offers an opportunity to teach sportsmanship early and often. The best time to instill values is when kids are younger.
Prevent and Treat Obesity
A diagnosis of childhood obesity can be devastating for a parent to hear. But prevention is possible, and so is treatment if a child is already overweight. Taking steps to reduce obesity lowers the risk of serious health consequences - most likely for the entire family.
A diagnosis of childhood obesity can be devastating for a parent to hear. But prevention is possible, and so is treatment if a child is already overweight. Taking steps to reduce obesity lowers the risk of serious health consequences - most likely for the entire family.
What to Do on Rainy Days - Outside
Grab some galoshes and get outside. There's lots you can do to play outdoors even on a rainy day. These ideas will get you started.
Grab some galoshes and get outside. There's lots you can do to play outdoors even on a rainy day. These ideas will get you started.
Create a Fitness Challenge
To motivate your family to adopt a healthier lifestyle, create a fitness challenge to do together. Find step-by-step instructions for setting up your challenge and achieving your goal.
To motivate your family to adopt a healthier lifestyle, create a fitness challenge to do together. Find step-by-step instructions for setting up your challenge and achieving your goal.
Moderate Physical Activity
: Moderate physical activity is exercise that requires 3 to 6 METs of effort. During moderate physical
: Moderate physical activity is exercise that requires 3 to 6 METs of effort. During moderate physical
Fun Workout Ideas
Get a little more out of exercise by choosing a fun workout that makes you laugh. These fun workouts give you the giggles but also get your heart pumping.
Get a little more out of exercise by choosing a fun workout that makes you laugh. These fun workouts give you the giggles but also get your heart pumping.
Outdoor Play Toys
Keep kids busy in warmer weather with outdoor play toys that encourage lots of physical activity. Selections include preschool outdoor toys, water play toys and ride-on toys.
Keep kids busy in warmer weather with outdoor play toys that encourage lots of physical activity. Selections include preschool outdoor toys, water play toys and ride-on toys.
Forget Exercise, Have Fun!
Lists ways to encourage active kids and show kids that physical activity is fun. Includes suggestions for modeling fitness and encouraging exercise. Also lists phrases to use when praising kids' fitness efforts.
Lists ways to encourage active kids and show kids that physical activity is fun. Includes suggestions for modeling fitness and encouraging exercise. Also lists phrases to use when praising kids' fitness efforts.
When Kids Don't Like Sports
There are lots of reasons kids don't like sports. Figure out the root of your child's dislike to help revive or jump-start interest in sports and fitness.
There are lots of reasons kids don't like sports. Figure out the root of your child's dislike to help revive or jump-start interest in sports and fitness.
Sports Concussions
Sports concussions are a risk for any athlete, and that includes kids. There's no way to prevent all sports concussions, but you can take precautions to reduce risk. It's also critical to make sure your child gets treated adequately before he or she returns to play.
Sports concussions are a risk for any athlete, and that includes kids. There's no way to prevent all sports concussions, but you can take precautions to reduce risk. It's also critical to make sure your child gets treated adequately before he or she returns to play.
Pulse Slither Drift Scooter
Combine the speed of a scooter with the curves of a skateboard and you get the Pulse Slither drift scooter, a fun ride-on for kids ages 7 and up. Assembly is challenging, but once that hurdle is cleared your child will enjoy the Slither's slick action for a long time.
Combine the speed of a scooter with the curves of a skateboard and you get the Pulse Slither drift scooter, a fun ride-on for kids ages 7 and up. Assembly is challenging, but once that hurdle is cleared your child will enjoy the Slither's slick action for a long time.
Active Toys for the Family
Make these top toys a part of your family's gift-giving this year. These picks include classic and new games, toys low-tech and high, and gear for outdoors and inside. They appeal to preschoolers, pre-teens, and parents alike.
Make these top toys a part of your family's gift-giving this year. These picks include classic and new games, toys low-tech and high, and gear for outdoors and inside. They appeal to preschoolers, pre-teens, and parents alike.
Sports Summer Camp Guide
Help your child build skills, strength and confidence in a sports summer camp program. This guide offers suggestions, advice, and resources for choosing a camp and preparing your child to attend.
Help your child build skills, strength and confidence in a sports summer camp program. This guide offers suggestions, advice, and resources for choosing a camp and preparing your child to attend.
DVD Review: Kettlebell Workouts
Read a review of Ultimate Kettlebell Workouts for Beginners, featuring three workouts from trainer Paul Katami. The DVD includes a tutorial and a workout focusing on core strength.
Read a review of Ultimate Kettlebell Workouts for Beginners, featuring three workouts from trainer Paul Katami. The DVD includes a tutorial and a workout focusing on core strength.
Are Trampolines Safe
Kids love them, but are trampolines safe? Find out what pediatricians recommend and what essential safety guidelines to follow.
Kids love them, but are trampolines safe? Find out what pediatricians recommend and what essential safety guidelines to follow.
Healthy Snack Ideas
When your child craves a sweet or salty treat, try these healthy snack ideas that satisfy and nourish.
When your child craves a sweet or salty treat, try these healthy snack ideas that satisfy and nourish.
Homemade Stretching Game
Use recyclables and household items to make your own kids fitness equipment. These low- to no-cost active toys are simple to create and fun to play with.
Use recyclables and household items to make your own kids fitness equipment. These low- to no-cost active toys are simple to create and fun to play with.
Youth Sports Profile: Archery
Youth archery may appeal to kids who like technology and prefer strength over cardio. Archery requires calm determination more than a keen eye, and it's a sport your child can enjoy for a lifetime.
Youth archery may appeal to kids who like technology and prefer strength over cardio. Archery requires calm determination more than a keen eye, and it's a sport your child can enjoy for a lifetime.
Choosing Kids' Sports Programs
Learn how to find the best kids sports program for your child. Choose a program that will keep him engaged, happy, and active.
Learn how to find the best kids sports program for your child. Choose a program that will keep him engaged, happy, and active.
Vocab: Stability Skills
: Stability skills are motor skills involving balance and weight transfer. To master these skills, children
: Stability skills are motor skills involving balance and weight transfer. To master these skills, children
Check Out a Gym Child Care
Gym child care can be a great way for parents of small children to manage a workout. But not all child care rooms are created alike. Ask questions and observe before you make a commitment or entrust your child to the gym's caregivers.
Gym child care can be a great way for parents of small children to manage a workout. But not all child care rooms are created alike. Ask questions and observe before you make a commitment or entrust your child to the gym's caregivers.
Recycled Bottle Bowling
Use recyclables and household items to make your own kids fitness equipment. These low- to no-cost active toys are simple to create and fun to play with.
Use recyclables and household items to make your own kids fitness equipment. These low- to no-cost active toys are simple to create and fun to play with.
Youth Sports: Martial Arts
It's true that the word "martial" is related to war and fighting. But as a sport, martial arts offer
It's true that the word "martial" is related to war and fighting. But as a sport, martial arts offer
Balloon Volleyball for Two
Use recyclables and household items to make your own kids fitness equipment. These low- to no-cost active toys are simple to create and fun to play with.
Use recyclables and household items to make your own kids fitness equipment. These low- to no-cost active toys are simple to create and fun to play with.
Sports Profile: Kids' Skiing
If you're lucky enough to live near a ski area, kids' skiing may become a popular extracurricular for your child. Here's what to expect.
If you're lucky enough to live near a ski area, kids' skiing may become a popular extracurricular for your child. Here's what to expect.
What to Pack in Your Gym Bag
Use this gym-bag packing checklist to help you remember all the essentials, whether you are planning a solo workout or a family exercise excursion.
Use this gym-bag packing checklist to help you remember all the essentials, whether you are planning a solo workout or a family exercise excursion.
Teach Sportsmanship with Books
You can teach sportsmanship through role modeling, post-game and practice debriefing, and also through these books that appeal to kids from kindergarten on up to sixth grade. They tell tales of team play, winning, and losing that any child can relate to.
You can teach sportsmanship through role modeling, post-game and practice debriefing, and also through these books that appeal to kids from kindergarten on up to sixth grade. They tell tales of team play, winning, and losing that any child can relate to.
Becoming a Yoga Teacher
The course will take nine months to complete. It is a 200-hour yoga teacher course, which certifies me to teach a power yoga class in the Ashtanga style. We meet two weekends a month, except over the summer where it was just one. It is a commitment but one that I was happy to make.
The course will take nine months to complete. It is a 200-hour yoga teacher course, which certifies me to teach a power yoga class in the Ashtanga style. We meet two weekends a month, except over the summer where it was just one. It is a commitment but one that I was happy to make.
Better Sports Snack Rules
Create or improve sports snacks by asking your child's league to institute a healthy snack policy, or even to ask parents not to bring snacks to share at all.
Create or improve sports snacks by asking your child's league to institute a healthy snack policy, or even to ask parents not to bring snacks to share at all.
Playground Packing Checklist
Use this playground checklist to make sure your tote bag is stocked with all the essentials you'll need for a successful visit to the playground or park.
Use this playground checklist to make sure your tote bag is stocked with all the essentials you'll need for a successful visit to the playground or park.
Youth Sports: Basketball
Will youth basketball be a hoop dream for your child? This indoor/outdoor, co-ed, pick-up at the park or high-stakes in the gym game can be fun for kids of all ages and abilities—whether they are tall, short, or somewhere in between.
Will youth basketball be a hoop dream for your child? This indoor/outdoor, co-ed, pick-up at the park or high-stakes in the gym game can be fun for kids of all ages and abilities—whether they are tall, short, or somewhere in between.
Pack Healthy School Lunches
Kids feel better and learn better when they fuel up with a nutritious meal, so healthy school lunches really matter. These guidelines will help you pack one your child will actually eat.
Kids feel better and learn better when they fuel up with a nutritious meal, so healthy school lunches really matter. These guidelines will help you pack one your child will actually eat.
Profile: Youth Track and Field
Youth track and field appeals to kids because it's based on easy, fun, everyday activities: running, jumping, and throwing! Find out more about youth track and field events, costs, clubs, and training.
Youth track and field appeals to kids because it's based on easy, fun, everyday activities: running, jumping, and throwing! Find out more about youth track and field events, costs, clubs, and training.
Find Time to Work Out
Try these sneaky strategies to fit in fitness when you swear you have no time to work out. There are ways to increase your daily physical activity without changing your schedule too much.
Try these sneaky strategies to fit in fitness when you swear you have no time to work out. There are ways to increase your daily physical activity without changing your schedule too much.
Fitness During Puberty
Kids' bodies (and brains) change rapidly during puberty, which can quickly lead to feelings of awkwardness or more serious body image issues. Frequent physical activity may help tweens and teens feel more in control of their changing bodies. Exercise can also help kids manage stress and maintain their weight. But to make sure your child feels comfortable with his body and with fitness, it's important to lay a strong foundation well before the teen years.
Kids' bodies (and brains) change rapidly during puberty, which can quickly lead to feelings of awkwardness or more serious body image issues. Frequent physical activity may help tweens and teens feel more in control of their changing bodies. Exercise can also help kids manage stress and maintain their weight. But to make sure your child feels comfortable with his body and with fitness, it's important to lay a strong foundation well before the teen years.
Bed Sheet Parachute
Use recyclables and household items to make your own kids fitness equipment. These low- to no-cost active toys are simple to create and fun to play with.
Use recyclables and household items to make your own kids fitness equipment. These low- to no-cost active toys are simple to create and fun to play with.
Review - Coursing Around
Product review of Coursing Around, a book of outdoor activity courses for kids age 4 and up created with sidewalk chalk. Coursing Around was created by Debbie Tougas, a mother and fitness instructor in California.
Product review of Coursing Around, a book of outdoor activity courses for kids age 4 and up created with sidewalk chalk. Coursing Around was created by Debbie Tougas, a mother and fitness instructor in California.
Fitness Term: Carbohydrates
: Carbohydrates are the most common source of food energy. Foods composed mainly of starches, sugar,
: Carbohydrates are the most common source of food energy. Foods composed mainly of starches, sugar,
Sun Safety for Kids
These sun safety tips for families from the American Academy of Pediatrics help you keep your child safe while he plays outside in the sun.
These sun safety tips for families from the American Academy of Pediatrics help you keep your child safe while he plays outside in the sun.
Summer Safety for Families
Outdoor play helps kids get the physical activity they need every day, plus it's fun! But it brings some hazards too. Know summer safety rules to lower the risk of injuries and illness at the swimming pool, playground, pool, sports playing field, and on bike trails.
Outdoor play helps kids get the physical activity they need every day, plus it's fun! But it brings some hazards too. Know summer safety rules to lower the risk of injuries and illness at the swimming pool, playground, pool, sports playing field, and on bike trails.
Youth Sports Profile - Riding
Equine sports encompass many different kinds of horse riding, jumping, and driving events. If horses are your child's passion, find out more about equine sports and equestrian events.
Equine sports encompass many different kinds of horse riding, jumping, and driving events. If horses are your child's passion, find out more about equine sports and equestrian events.
How to Talk With a Coach
Is your child facing problems on the playing field? Talk to the coach to help resolve problems and help your child succeed in youth sports.
Is your child facing problems on the playing field? Talk to the coach to help resolve problems and help your child succeed in youth sports.
Cure Cabin Fever
Bad weather giving your family a case of cabin fever? Cure cabin fever with 9 suggestions for active, indoor play.
Bad weather giving your family a case of cabin fever? Cure cabin fever with 9 suggestions for active, indoor play.
Youth Hockey Equipment
Youth hockey skates are not the same as figure skates, speed skates, or "recreational" skates. Look for
Youth hockey skates are not the same as figure skates, speed skates, or "recreational" skates. Look for
Review - EA Sports Active 2
EA Sports Active 2 corrects the biggest problem I had with its predecessor, EA Sports Active, and adds many new, useful features too. If you like a customizable workout with lots of stat tracking, read my review and check out EA Sports Active 2.
EA Sports Active 2 corrects the biggest problem I had with its predecessor, EA Sports Active, and adds many new, useful features too. If you like a customizable workout with lots of stat tracking, read my review and check out EA Sports Active 2.