5 fun fitness routines to do with your kids in lockdown

Outdoor playtime and games are an essential part of childhood. Not only do kids have fun while playing outdoors, but also get physical activity. With the Covid-19 pandemic compelling us to spend more time indoors, how do you ensure your family doesn’t become sedentary? Well, you don't necessarily need to head outside to burn off energy. Here are some fun fitness routines that you can do with your kids at home.

1. Have a dance session

Kids need to release their pent-up energy, and dancing is a great way to do that. Choose a playlist, turn up the volume, and let them shake it. You can join too. Simply allow your body to move to the music. It lightens the mood instantly, all of you get some terrific exercise and have a good laugh. With older children, you can join Zumba classes or go online to follow some dance routines.

2. Create an obstacle course

An obstacle course is a fun way to burn some calories. Set up an indoor course using props like sticks, balls, mats and cushions. You can make them run in circles, crawl or hop. Keep it interesting by adding challenges of varying difficulties like jumping jacks or squats. You can take part too. Thinking up the obstacle courses will be a unique mental workout. Also, the setting up and tidying up after the game will give you some physical exercise. 

3. Get creative with active games

You can play the usual games like hopscotch, hula hoop and jump rope. But children need variety, so you will have to get creative. For example, if you have enough space, you can organise some innovative races. Take part in crawl races, jumping races, one-leg hop (langdi) races or those that challenge your balance like lemon-spoon or book-on-head races. Blow up some balloons and play a game of volleyball or catch. All of you will get a good cardio workout!

4. Livestream exercise classes

When kids are at home, they miss out on their active time at school. There are some amazing online routines for yoga, cardio and High-intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Schedule a time suitable for all and join in for some serious workout. It will get the kids into a routine. Also, watching and interacting with other kids in the online class will make it more interesting for them. 

5. Scavenger hunt

Scavenger hunts are ideal to get everyone moving. They also give the brain cells some exercise – for the people creating it and the people hunting. It can be simple like ‘Find five things that are square’ or an elaborate one with clues that lead to various things around the house.

These fun fitness activities not only integrate exercise into your day but are also a fantastic way to let off some steam and a wonderful opportunity for family bonding.