Good Old Fashioned Fun

Before the advent of screens, it was easy to go out and play actively. Video games are exciting, but not a replacement for classic indoor and outdoor games that have the added benefits of endorphins for the brain, exercise for the body and fun for the soul!

Some no-tech games can be played by one’s self, with just one other or with a group. A few ideas to have a blast without leaving your property and to work up a sweat include:

Badminton - Set up net, grab a set of rackets, light birdies and get active together in the backyard.

Hopscotch - Requires nothing more than chalk and a small object like a rock or bean bag for hopping good fun.

Four Square - Gather a rubber ball and four players, then draw four squares, one for each player to stand in.  Bounce the ball between players in squares until a player makes an error and is eliminated.

Jump rope - Enjoy practicing basic jumping skills. Add rhymes to increase fun and variety to the game.

Hula hooping - Master the challenge of spinning the hoop around your waist and see who can keep it going the longest.

Freeze Dance - All that is needed is some form of music and some willing bodies. Everyone dances as the music plays. When the music stops, each player must freeze immediately and hold that position until the music begins again.

Google the traditional rules or use your imagination to make up your own. The trick is to make spending time doing these exercises/ games as fun as possible. Whether it’s a work out at home or outdoors, games can always be a fun way to spend time with your family, kids and friends.  

“Age is no barrier. It’s a limitation you put on your mind.”   Jackie Joyner-Kersee