WANT EVEN MORE HEALTHY IDEAS FROM SHAPE YOUR FUTURE?
A walk around the block is one of the easiest ways for families to get active. It requires no equipment. It’s free. And you can do it any time! Plus, getting outside and exploring your surroundings is a fantastic way to bond with the fam.
Make your family walk a family tradition by going after family dinner (a healthy dinner that is). Or make it a community event by inviting your neighbors along. Most of all, make it fun by trying the 10 unique ways to walk below! Your kids will enjoy the change of pace, plus each walking technique targets different parts of your body… turning your simple stroll into a full-body workout.
Speed Walk
See who can walk — not run — the fastest in your family. It’s a speedy way to add some spunk to your stroll. Plus it makes for some more intense cardio.
Backwards Walk
Take your health in the right direction… by walking in the wrong direction. Just be sure to be aware of traffic… and other pedestrians walking forward.
Heel Flicks
Want to kick your walk up a notch? Here’s the deal… just flick your heels. For real. Heel flicks will stretch your calves and your thighs, so give them a try!
Knee Huggers
Add some spring to your step by bringing your knees to your chest. Because even your knee needs a hug every once in a while.
Follow the Leader
Take turns taking the lead. Followers must mimic the leader’s moves, no matter what they do or where they go! Have your kids go first, and let their imagination run — err walk — wild.
Run Spurts
Walk like a tortoise. Run like a hare! Walk like a tortoise. Run like a hare! Walk like a tortoise. Run like…
Tiptoes
Take entertainment to the tiptop by trotting on your tiptoes. It’s a great way to sneak in a calf workout while you stroll.
Kick the Rock
Want to make your walk really rock? Find a small stone or pinecone, and kick it along! Pass it to family members too so everyone gets a turn. Rock and roll out to try it today.
Grapevine
Here’s a hip idea. Try walking like a grapevine! Moving sideways, cross your left leg behind your right, step out with your right leg. Then repeat by stepping your left foot over your right. Alternate. It works your quads, hamstrings, glutes and core… and it makes for some fancy footwork.
Crab Walk
Want to work on your abs? Walk like a crab. You’ll feel anything but crabby when you do. For even more fun, pretend your hands are pinchers.
Add some pep to your step and some style to your stride. Tie your shoes and try these 10 ideas to make your family walk fun. And if it’s too cold to walk outside, head indoors! Take a walk around a high school gym or the mall… or you can even mosey around the house!
Oh, and be sure to stroll over for more fun family-friendly activities, like this one:
