Getting the kids to do anything with the word exercise in it may be a chore for some. But if you incorporate fitness into fun activities it can be easier. A family basket shooting contest may be the tip off you need to get your family in shape.
Kids who enjoy basketball already will probably jump at the chance to play this game. Those who haven't played as much basketball may be equally excited because it's something different. The family needn't play the actual game of basketball if not everyone is game. However, this is a great way to incorporate family-friendly exercise. The goal here is to simply have a basket shooting contest. If any of the family members hasn't done this before, that person may want to practice shooting hoops prior to the game to make it fair. Materials needed are simply a basketball and a basketball hoop. If you don't have basketball hoop at your house, a local school, gym, or park should have one available.
For a less competitive version that works best with younger kids, simply pass the ball back and forth and take turns shooting baskets. Give each person a chance to shoot until they make a basket. To step up the competition a notch, play in the same manner, except limit the number of chances allowed before passing the ball. Plus, keep score and have a destination number that determines a winner. Even more competition might include allowing others to steal the ball. Then, of course, there is the actual game of basketball, with driveway or playground rules. There also is H-O-R-S-E, in which when one player makes a shot and others must try to imitate the shot, such as a hook shot or a bank shot.
This is a great activity that families can do after work and school, on the weekends, during breaks, and more. It doesn't take much time, but it's great for both fitness and fun. Because it's actually a game, kids can be open to the activity. The reaching and jumping actions work many muscles in the body. Then, if you add in running and other motions used, basketball can actually be a full body workout.
