Exercising Like a Kid

Who can forget how easy it was to be a kid? No responsibilities, worries or thinking about diet and exercise - those were the days!

Although you may not be able to return entirely to a carefree lifestyle this summer, borrow a few cues from childhood and take your mundane workout routine outdoors. These kid-friendly activities are so much fun, you won't even realize you're exercising!

Instead of going for another solo jog, consider some outdoor fun with family and friends, like:

Jumping on a trampoline. Some studies suggest that jumping on a trampoline burns calories almost three times faster than jogging. If you don't have a large trampoline, consider investing in a small, one-person trampoline, which can be used indoors year-round.

Playing games. Try age-old games, like capture the flag, tag, kickball, soccer and ultimate Frisbee - all are fun, competitive and sure to burn calories. Pack snacks, grab the family and head to the nearest park a few times per month.

Jumping rope. This is not only a great form of exercise, but it's inexpensive and fun. You can burn nearly 100 calories by jumping consistently for ten minutes, so grab the nearest jump rope and get started!

Dancing. Sounds simple, right? It is! You don't need to be a professional or in a public place, you just need music. Whether alone or with friends, dancing is a fantastic form of exercise and self-expression.

Enjoy a few carefree moments with these activities and act like a kid again! Before heading outside, be sure to read our blog post covering safety in the summer heat here.