Who says a race is simply running from start to finish? Not this mom. I like to mix it up a bit. Sometimes I even turn it into an extreme sport for kids, increasing their physical benefit from the fun exercise. To do that, I simply add something extra to the race. Since kids are like animals, that is one of the themes I use often. I also have been known to throw in plenty of other fun things to make the race extreme.

Most kids seem to have a natural love for racing. The reason likely varies from kid to kid. For some it could be the thrill of the competition. Yet, to others, it may be the adrenaline rush or the force of the movement. When choosing extracurricular physical activities for my kids, racing is an activity that gets chosen often. It doesn't have to be the same every time either. In fact, racing is very versatile, especially in what I call extreme racing for kids.

Let's Get Hopping!

In this extreme race option, kids must hop just like a kangaroo all the way to the finish line. Kids caught not hopping are eliminated until the next round. The jumping motion helps to increase the heart rate and also exercises those limbs. So, get those kids hopping to the finish line.

Climb The Ladder

To have kids do this extreme race, I have them move their hands and feet up and down from start to finish, resembling climbing a ladder. This must be done quickly to cause a running motion. Kids like this one because it looks pretty silly.

Zig Zag Zip

In Zig Zag Zip, the kids will jump from side to side in a zig zag motion toward the finish line. This extreme race can get pretty fun. Sometimes the kids cross paths by accident. There is also a lot of laughter!

Just go!

This extreme race option allows the kids to each pick their own method of extreme racing. It's interesting to see what the kids come up with. Sometimes they pick from things we've done before. Other times, they get very creative.

Most children love to jump, climb, run, and crawl. Combining them all together can make for a fun experience, especially when adding even more physical challenges. What I am I talking about? I'm discussing building obstacle courses for kids.

Most children love to jump, climb, run and crawl. Combining them all together can make for a fun experience, especially when adding even more physical challenges. What am I talking about? I'm discussing building obstacle courses for kids. Many obstacle courses are fairly easy to make and can provide a great deal of entertainment and exercise.

Getting some children to exercise can be a chore for parents and physical education teachers, but it doesn't have to be. Combining exercise with fun is the best way to get those kids in shape. Who says exercise has to feel like a chore? In fact, any good exercise routine is one that is enjoyable. Enjoyment brings the likelihood of repeating the exercise often.

Designing and building obstacle courses may sound hard, but it really isn't (unless you're talking about large gym equipment, which isn't always necessary). Instead, gathering a few fun items and combining them to make a fun obstacle course is a more practical way of doing this. This physical activity can be done at home or at school. A little bonus to this activity is that the parent or teacher who sets up the activity will get a small workout in doing so. Let the kids help and they get even more physical movement added to their day.

Some things I would suggest for building obstacle courses for kids are tires (without the rims), cones, hula hoop stations, jump rope stations, a basketball hoop, hopscotch and maybe some hurdles. The items can vary, depending on ages and fitness level, but the basic idea is to create a variety of activities that the children have to perform in a row in order to complete the obstacle course.

Smaller kids could simply run back and forth through cones. The next age group could do the cones, as well as the tires, and perhaps the hula hoops or jump ropes. Basically, as the age group grows, so should the intensity of the obstacle courses you are building. Make sure to keep in mind not only the age group, but the physical fitness levels of the kids.

As with any physical activity, it is important to follow safety rules when utilizing these obstacle courses. Other than that, the only warning I would give is to parents and teachers: be careful, because kids might request this one often.

Physical fitness is an important aspect of a child's life. To get the most benefit, a variety of physical activities should be utilized. One activity kids seem to enjoy a lot is dancing. When they are dancing, kids often don't realize they are also exercising.

Physical fitness is an important aspect of a child's life. Keeping fit will not only help a child control weight issues, but it is also beneficial to all areas of the body. Adding a good exercise routine to a child's daily activities is a must. To get the most benefit, a variety of physical activities should be utilized. One activity kids seem to enjoy a lot is dancing. When they are dancing, kids often don't realize they are also exercising.

Dance can be done at home or at school as a group. Parents can also hire an instructor or enroll children in dance classes. In addition, there are many dance videos to help teach the kids how to do various dances. Many schools are actively using dance as part of the regular physical education curriculum. Because dance is so versatile, different movements and styles can be used to form a good workout routine.

While schools may do this in a more organized fashion, parents have the unique opportunity of simply slipping in exercise through dance at opportune times. For instance, when we are doing chores, I like to play music. Kids can not only get exercise from the chores, but if parents allow them to dance as well, they will get an even better workout. My kids love this activity and forget they are exercising.

Another fun way to add in dance is by doing a weekly talent competition between family and friends. Each person or team should get a chance to dance at least once. This can also be done at school, perhaps in a more organized way. In fact, I have seen a few elementary schools hold talent competitions involving dance. These seem to go over pretty well with many of the kids I've observed during one of these events.

The main point when working with kids on physical fitness is to keep it fun and exciting. After too much repetitiveness, routines can get a little boring. By mixing up dance styles and movements, as well as being sure to seize the appropriate moments, your child will be having more fun while working out in no time.