9 ways to exercise like a kid again

by Jacki Donaldson (Subscribe to Jacki Donaldson's posts)
Jul 26th 2008 7:00AM

Categories: Fitness

Sometimes, I look at my kids' fit little bodies and think I've got to start doing what they're doing. Then when I really watch what they do to stay in shape, I realize how simple their approach is. They play tag, basketball, and soccer. They swim, bike, scooter, rollerblade, skateboard, wrestle, and climb. They scale furniture, role play Superhero games, and race around any large field of grass. They simply play.

Prevention.com offers some great suggestions for folks who long for exciting physical fitness and have fond memories of childhood play. Check them out and see if they don't win out over your desires to exercise within the confines of four gym walls.

If you liked 4-Square, try tennis or racquetball.
If you liked climbing trees, try indoor or outdoor rock climbing.
If you liked yard games, try golf without the cart.
If you liked dodgeball, try volleyball.
If you liked gymnastics or cheerleading, try aerobics classes.
If you liked Red Rover, try martial arts.
If you liked sledding, try showshoeing or cross-country skiing.
If you liked tag, try joining a jogging, bicycling, or hiking group.
If you liked jump rope or hopscotch, try aerobics on a mini-trampoline (called rebounding).

Now, there's no reason you still can't engage in your long-ago kid games. Jump rope, for example, is quite an adult thing to do, after all. And why not go sledding if the climate is right? Clearly, you've got options here. Just pick and chose. Just have fun, whatever you decide to do.