The easiest and most natural activity. Be sure to wear safety helmet and reflective clothing to ensure visibility. Try cycling to your local shop to pick up messages or the newspaper. Cycle to visit the grand-parents or neighbours or a play date. Not only is it a great way to keep fit, it also helps save the petrol tank, the air quality, and local environment. It’s worth it to buy a set of carrier bags for the bicycle that are sturdy and waterproof. This way it is easy to pack a pic­nic or collect messages.

Walking in nature is the most human thing anyone can do and it is easy and costs little or noth­ing. Since we are fortunate to in Kerry, there is almost always easy access to lovely hills and paths with Kerry Way signs.  Explore these paths and pack healthy snacks such as nuts, fruit, and home-made sandwiches. Be sure to keep a small bag to collect your own rubbish to be disposed of at home.

With the onset of the summer weather, beaches are more inviting than ever. Even on a chilly day, you can go swimming wearing a summer wet suit. Be sure to go swimming with a quali­fied adult swimmer and beware of the sign posting where there may be strong currents during the changing tides. 10 to 15 minutes of swimming is excellent cardio-vascular exercise and works all the muscles in your body.

Along with swimming, you can go surfing or use a body-board. You’ll be paddling and splashing and keeping fit the whole time. Be sure to never go out in the water alone and that a qualified adult swimmer is with you.

Jogging and running for at least 10 minutes is a great way to keep fit and healthy. The more you jog, the better you get and your heart will appreciate it. Be sure to have a good pair of run­ning shoes to support your back, knees, and ankles. The rest is up to you. Encourage one of your parents to go jogging with you. Start easy by combining walking and jogging. Mixing in skipping rope for a few minutes will help build up stamina and endurance.

Football includes running, jumping, balance, coordination, and is usually a lot of fun for everyone in the family. Plan an afternoon with your family to have a football game! Instead of watching it on the television, get outside and play it yourself. Your body will reap the benefits.

Frisbee is fun if you have a dog and can go walking on the beach. But you don’t need a dog, you can play with your family and friends. Even on a windy day, you’ll learn how to spin and flip the frisbee so the wind can carry it in the direction you want. You’ll also do a lot of run­ning and jumping while playing frisbee. Check out Ultimate Frisbee, it’s the latest craze among university students all over the world.

Yoga is easy to do anywhere, anytime. You can practise yoga posture outdoors as well as inside. Even if you don’t remember all the different poses, simply practising a few of your favourite ones can provide a perfect stretching and toning session for you. Yoga tones your muscles and works on the organs and glands in your body depending on the postures you do.

Dancing is another fun, family activity that you can do any time. While Mom is preparing din­ner, but on a few Beatles tunes and twist and shout! Energetic dancing for 15-20 minutes is an excellent fitness session in itself and puts everyone in a positive, upbeat mood!