If you are lucky enough to live within walking or cycling distance to fields then why not make a trip to see the cows, ducks, horses or sheep?
for just 30 seconds to running for 30 minutes – could be perfect.
Just remember, if you’re running during the evening, ensure both you and the dog can be seen.
BIRD SPOTTING
THE stereotypical image of a bird spotter is a man with his binoculars waiting quietly for hours for a sighting.
But the act of birdwatching is actually a lot of fun – it’s simply a family game of I-spy or birdy bingo.
All you need to do is head out to your local green space or woodland and see what you and the kids can see. If you’re unsure where to start check the RSPB website (rspb.org. uk) where you can learn about easily identifiable birds local to your area.
You can also find a list of hundreds of nature reserves up and down the country which are also perfectly set up for families and visitors, combining an exhilarating walk with a spot of hide and seek.
Remember, anything that gets your heart beating a little faster, raises your temperature or makes you breathe a little faster is classed as moderate exercise and will benefit your family’s health, so getting excited and hunting out the next feathered friend could be just the ticket.
FARMYARD FRIENDS
IF YOU are lucky enough to live within walking or cycling distance to fields then why not make a trip to see the cows, ducks, horses or sheep?
You may be used to seeing them every day as you drive past, but when was the last time you and your children took a visit to see them up close? You could select a different animal to hunt out each week on a bike ride or run?
Having an incentive as simple as spotting some sheep or feeding an apple to a horse should be enough to get you all excited about getting outside and getting active.
Of course, if you live in a city or town then tracking down farm animals may be a struggle, especially with ongoing restrictions.
However, there’s nothing stopping you seeing how many dogs you can spot out on a walk or seeing if any nearby parks have an animal corner.
BEASTLY FUN
EXERCISE is extremely important to keep us fit and healthy as we age.
Kids should an hour a day, while adults should get their hearts going for at 30 minutes a day.
So, whether checking off a garden bird check list, taking the dogs out for a long walk or searching for hedgehogs, animals are a fantastic way to up our activity levels without us even noticing!