Get Your Family Moving This Spring

Spring inspires me to get moving! I love getting outdoors, raking leaves, planting flowers, and taking bike rides in my neighborhood. Here are four fun family activities that are sure to keep you and your family active this season and put a little SPRING in your step!

The month of April reminds me of the quote, "April showers bring May flowers." Below are activities and healthy eating ideas that incorporate this fun, whimsical quote! Try to do these each day throughout the month of April.

1. Ribbon Toss: The ribbon resembles the April shower. Cut a few colorful ribbons into 12 inch strips. As a family, toss the ribbon into the air, high above your head and try to catch before it lands on the ground. 
2. Hop Like a Bunny: Cut 5 flower shapes out of construction paper. Place the flowers in a straight line a few inches apart from each other. Hop like a bunny over the line of flowers on the ground.  You can make 2 teams with your family and race each other. You can also time each person hopping over the line of flowers. Try to beat your record each day!
3. Put a Little SPRING in Your Step: As a family, do 20 jumping jacks, 20 jumping lunges, 20 jumping squats, and jump rope for 1 minute. 
4. Shower your taste buds with a cool, refreshing shake after your workout! Throw your favorite fruits in a blender, add yogurt, ice, your favorite juice, and drink up.

Remember to warm up before participating in physical activity and cool down with stretches after your workout, and always do exercises that are appropriate for your family.

April is here, so let's SPRING up and get moving!

Alison Cardoza, B.S. Exercise Science and Sports Medicine and ACSM Certified Personal Trainer at Milestone Wellness Center.
Family: John and Alison Cardoza and 7-year-old daughter, Alexa Cardoza.