It’s Time to Play (Part1)

Maybe you're looking outside right now and snow is falling on the ground. Or maybe you're in a place where people are sweating and wearing shorts. You might have a bunch of friends available for playing, or you could be all by yourself.

No matter what the weather is like or how many friends are around, there's always a way to be physically active and have fun. Here's how.

When it’s just you

By yourself? Try hopping on your bike, strapping on your skates, or grabbing your skateboard. Don't forget your helmet and pads! Or try jumping rope and counting how many times you can jump before you miss. Jumping rope is a great way to get aerobic exercise.

Sometimes being by yourself gives you a chance to practice stuff so you get better at it.

If you play tennis, try hitting a tennis ball against a brick wall. If basketball's your thing, try shooting hoops and seeing how many you can sink. Or if you're into soccer, grab a ball, and see how long you can keep it in the air using your feet, knees, and head. When you play with your friends again, they'll be amazed at what you can do!

More things to do when it’s just you:

• Practice hopscotch.

• See how long you can hop on one foot.

• Do jumping jacks.

• Invent some dance moves.

• Do sprints (short running races) and time yourself to see how fast you go.

• Use a pedometer to count the number of steps between your favorite places, like your house and the park.

When There Are Two

Just you and a friend hanging out, looking for something to do? Practice playing some Ping-Pong or start a tennis tournament between the two of you. Ever try badminton? It’s great if you have a net, but you also can play by just seeing how many times you can hit the birdie back and forth to each other.

How about a little one-on-one in basketball or a race to see who's the fastest runner? Maybe you're into cheerleading. If so, invent some new cheers together.