Playing with the kids

We all know that playing with the kids comes with a whole range of benefits: it’s great for their motor skills, it’s good socialisation, it helps them fall in love with being active, and most importantly, it is heaps of fun.

But there’s also one big benefit that’s often forgotten: it’s great exercise for adults (let’s be honest, for most of us an egg and spoon race is more appealing than doing squats…). So get active with one of these activities, and remember when outdoors to be sun safe, so Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.

It’s a backyard classic. When you’re up, chase after someone, tag them and they’re up. No gear, no prep, just walk outside and play.

Brandy is also great fun, it’s like tiggy with a ball – just make sure you use a soft ball and you’ll have a great time.

Another variation on tiggy, once you’re tagged you have to freeze until someone crawls between your legs.

Frisbee is obviously a great way to get moving, but watching a frisbee flying is also really good for the soul.

Handball really is as much fun as it was when you were at school. If you’re playing with the kids though, you’ll need to let them win once in a while.

With the cardio of running and the weight resistance of carrying your kid, the wheelbarrow race is the cross-fit of playing.

If you can rustle up a couple of sacks or old pillow cases, then this is a sure fire hit with younger kids.

All these suggestions really are just the beginning, the only limit is your imagination, so get out there. You’ll love it as much as your kids do.