Physical fitness activities-2

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that children and adolescents aged 6-17 years should have 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of physical activity each day. With these fun physical fitness activities, educators can ensure that students keep moving and stay active after school:

Balloon Ping-Pong

Materials:

Instructions:

  • Re-energize students with a game of balloon ping-pong!
  • Staple one paper plate to each of two large craft sticks.
  • Then, blow up a balloon, and allow students to use their “ping pong sticks” to hit the balloon back and forth.

Crab Race

Materials:

  • Large space
  • Tape or cones to mark lines

Instructions:

  • This fitness activity for kids develops coordination, balance and strength.
  • To begin, use the tape or cones to mark start and finish lines in a large, open area.
  • At the start line, instruct students to squat on the ground, placing hands behind them and lifting their hips off the ground.
  • On “go,” students will start “walking” using their hands and feet.
  • The first student to cross the finish line wins!

Leg Scootch

Materials:

  • Large space
  • Tape or cones to mark lines

Instructions:

  • Divide students into pairs, and ask them to sit down next to each other.
  • Have each pair put their feet together, bend their knees, cross their arms and then hold hands.
  • Keeping their bottoms on the ground, each pair must scotch to the finish line.
  • First team to cross the finish line wins!

Loop-De-Loop

Materials:

Instructions:

  • Have students stand in a circle and hold hands.
  • Start one large plastic hoop handing over one pair of joined hands.
  • Each student must pass the hoop over herself and on to the next person without letting go of hands.
  • If a pair of joined hands separates, the hoop must start from the beginning!