Turn Exercise into Family Fun

September is here! Fall is in the air. School has started back and families are busy with schedules! Take time out to spend with the family. Take this time to exercise with each other, reduce stress, and eat healthy as a family. Try these fun activities every day this month.

1. Find an old deck of cards and select 15-20 cards with the numbers on them. Write creative exercises on each card with a pen. Here are some examples of fun activities to do in your home:

1. Run up and down all stairs in your house as fast as you can .
2. Touch all the door knobs in your house.
3. Sit and stand on all the chairs in your house.

Now, place the cards in a pile, and one family member begins by drawing a card. Read the exercise aloud and do that exercise in front of your family. The number on the card indicates how many times the exercise must be repeated. After you have completed the activity written on the card, place card at bottom of deck, and the next family member takes their turn. Continue playing for 30 minutes. It is so important to do 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Cardio helps improve your endurance and keeps your heart healthy. 

2. Another fun activity in the month of September is throwing a football. Toss it in your backyard or any open area. The person throwing the ball says something good about their day. The next person throwing the ball says something good about their day and so on. You can also toss the ball to each other and count by 5's.  5, 10, 15, 20...etc. This fun game challenges your physical and mental well being. 

My favorite fruit to eat in the month of September are apples. They are so crisp and delicious this time of year. Grab a healthy apple after each activity you do in the month of September. Remember, an apple a day keeps the doctor away!

Alison Cardoza, B.S Exercise Science, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer at Baptist Milestone Wellness Center