Beacon Magazine Isle of Wight

Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

Keep Fit with the Kids in Lockdown

Wednesday, 13 January 2021 17:57

By Hanna Prince

It’s not easy to juggle fitness and home schooling during a lockdown – but according to Hanna Prince, by combining the two you can keep everyone happy.

It’s tempting to spend a winter lockdown glued to the couch, but getting active can ease winter blues, boost vitamin D levels and improve the whole family’s health. Here’s how to kick off a winter of fitness-focused family fun.

GO RUN-CYCLING

It’s unlikely you’ll convince a seven-year-old to go for a run – but what about heading out for a fun cycle while you jog alongside them? Most kids are happy to pootle around on their bikes for unlimited time periods. The only challenge you might have is keeping up. There are plenty of brilliant places to run and cycle around the Island.

WORK FITNESS INTO YOUR ROUTINE

If your kids have a regular time for schoolwork each day, why not begin with a short fitness routine? Spending ten minutes together skipping, hula hooping or just dancing to crazy music will put them in the right frame of mind for some school work (and it makes for great-quality family time too). Family friendly fitness videos are also a great way to get everyone moving.

SWAP WALKING FOR QUESTING

Walks are boring (at least in the minds of most kids). Quests, on the other hand, are amazingly fun. Turn a fitness-boost hike into something more imaginative by taking on the roles of different characters from a story. Maybe you’re Frodo, Sam and Gandalf en route to Mount Doom. Perhaps you’re Anna and Kristoff searching for Elsa’s ice palace. Or Robin and Little John escaping from the Sheriff of Nottingham. Imagination games work a treat when it comes to keeping up motivation – particularly for younger kids. If they’re a little older, a ‘treasure hunting’ activity such as geocaching or orienteering can add extra interest to a walk.

COMPETE WITH WEARABLES

Using wearable technology to set challenges and track progress is proven to help adults shape up – and now there are plenty of wearable options out there for children as well. Some allow you to hold competitions with other members of the family. Most kids can be convinced to get off the couch if it involved beating Mum or Dad’s step count!

More from Features

Newport Bombing Victim Officially Recognised by Common Wealth War Graves Commission

More than 80 years after eight Luftwaffe planes dropped bombs on Newport, a campaign to have one man officially recognised as a victim, has finally been successful.
Five Isle of Wight Dancers to Represent England in Global Dance Open Finals

Five young dancers from the Isle of Wight have been chosen to represent England in a prestigious dance competition in The Netherlands this summer.
NEW COMPETITION: Win A Luxury Hamper For National Pet Day

To celebrate National Pet Day Today (April 11), we're offering you the chance to win a luxury hamper of treats for your pet - just have a go at our Facebook competition!
Schools Walk The Wight is Back

After a record-breaking year, Walk the Wight is back for 2024 on Sunday 12 May 2024.
How a Popular Ryde Shop Helps Buyers Reduce, Re-use and Recycle

As people become more and more conscious about the products they buy –and how it might affect the environment, we take a look at a popular Ryde shop, which makes it easy for buyers to reduce, reuse and recycle!
Summer Dates Announced For Ryde's Big Beach Weekender

Following a year out due to the closure of Robin Hill last year, it has been confirmed that The Woodland Sessions will relaunch this summer as The Big Beach Weekender.
Isle Of Wight Red Squirrel Hotspots To Look Out For This Easter

Easter is a particularly good time to look for red squirrels on the Isle of Wight as natural food sources are becoming more abundant and they are anxious to build up their strength and fat reserves after winter.
Purple Twist For Newport's Annual Aspire Easter Duck Race

This year's Aspire duck race will take place on Saturday March 30 at Shide Trees, Newport, with a 1pm start time.
NEW COMPETITION: Win A £50 M&S Voucher

It's fair to say everyone deserves a treat right now, so we've got a £50 M&S voucher for someone to enjoy - just give us a like or follow on our Facebook page...
Understanding Mental Health

Adele Trathan explores understanding and recognising mental health issues and ways to access help.
Totland Reflections: The Creation of a Seaside Resort

The Freshwater & Totland Archive Group is a self-funded voluntary group set up in 2010. Its aim is to establish an easily accessible archive to encourage public interest in our local history and provide a valuable community resource.
Freshwater Bookshop Shortlisted For Prestigious National Award

An Isle of Wight bookshop has made the shortlist to win a prestigious national award.
Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival Raises Over £6,000 To Help Island Charities in 2023

The Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival organisers have announced that the 2023 event raised a total of more than £6,000, with donations to be made to selected charitable causes, across the Island.
MBE Honour For Mountbatten Chief Nigel

A prominent figure in the Isle of Wight charity sector has celebrated receiving an accolade for his contributions to the local community.
The Little Sweep Remembered On Valentine’s Day

A poignant gathering was held in Newport's Church Litten on Valentine’s Day to remember ‘The Little Sweep’ Valentine Gray.
Get Fit by Joining a Regular Social Running Group

Newport’s dedicated running shop, Love Running, started a social running group a decade ago, initially aimed at less confident runners who wanted to take on a regular run with other like-minded people in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Entries For 2024 Round The Island Race Now Open

The Island Sailing Club (ISC) has announced entries are now open for the 2024 edition of Britain’s Favourite Yacht Race, the Round the Island Race, which is being held on Saturday June 15.
History: The Mystery of The Maybricks

As part of the Walking Festival, Aspire volunteer, Julie Croydon, leads the ‘Lost Crypt’ history walk around Ryde dressed as Florence Chandler Maybrick.
Feed An Isle Of Wight Family This Christmas

‘Feed a Family’ – an initiative by Aspire Ryde, with support from Isle of Wight Radio – will relaunch next week.
Lighting Up Long Lane for Nearly Quarter of a Century

Long Lane’s iconic Christmas lights display, organised by Islanders Terry and Sue Ramplin, will switch on this month — accompanied by a marching band and (with your help) Father Christmas.

© Beacon Magazine Isle of Wight and Aiir 2024 | 8-10 Dodnor Park, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5XE