Physical activity doesn't have to be a chore for you or your children. One fun physical activity can be a simple, affordable and homemade obstacle course. The hype of an obstacle course can help to encourage your child to be more physically active and meet their hour of physical activity every day. An obstacle course can be created using everyday, household items, or, if you're feeling really ambitious, you can construct one out of wood. The benefits of using an obstacle course for physical activity include improved cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, balance and general motor skills. It is also just plain fun! Here are some ideas to get you started on your own backyard obstacle course. 

Pool noodles and PVC pipe are affordable materials that can be used to create obstacles. For example, you can tape a pool noodle to itself in a circle to create rings that can be tossed. Tie a few pool noodle rings together and you have a "tire" obstacle. Pool noodle rings can also serve as a target in which your kids throw another pool noodle through like a javelin, or they can throw a Frisbee or balls through. You can also use plastic tent stakes and pool noodles to create hurdles for the kids to jump over or crawl under. Stand a few pool noodles up with tent stakes in a line and have your children dribble a ball in between them. 

Obstacle courses can also be created from left over wood supplies from other projects.  A 4-inch by 4-inch piece of wood can be used as a balance beam. Wood shipping pallets can be used as platforms. Old logs can be used as balance steps. Just remember to keep your obstacles age appropriate. It's important to always supervise your children when they are participating in these activities to ensure safety. By chaining together several different activities you can create a fun and engaging source of physical activity.  Be creative and have fun with your kids!      

Let us know about your homemade obstacle course in the comments below!

This month, Pete traveled to Firebaugh, California to visit students at Hazel M. Bailey Primary School and see what healthy habits they've been learning about.

Nutrition Education at Bailey: 

Bailey Primary is a school dedicated to the wellness of their students. The school promotes healthy eating by distributing fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks and encouraging teachers to participate in the UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program. 

"The Board recognizes that it is the District's role, as part of the larger community, to model and actively practice through policies and procedures: the promotion of family health, physical activity, good nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and environment restoration." -FLDUSD Wellness Policy

A MyPlate Nutrition Corner is displayed in the Bailey cafeteria to enhance the environment and encourage healthy eating behaviors. 

Physical Education at Bailey:

Students at Bailey receive daily physical education from certified physical education teachers who make exercising fun while helping students develop their athletic skills.

Pete was excited to see all the MyPlate colors incorporated into Bailey's recess and P.E. equipment. 

Healthy School Events at Bailey: 

Bailey encourages all teachers, parents and students to "have opportunities to support, and encourage physical activity on a regular basis"-FLDUSD Wellness Policy. On Thursday, October 13th, 2016, kindergarten students participated in the annual Pumpkin Walk-a-Thon Fundraiser, which took place during the students' allocated P.E time. Parents and friends showed up to support students by donating a dollar amount for every lap walked. Parents also donated water and healthy snacks for students to refuel afterward. Students enjoyed this event and not only walked, but also hopped, skipped, and danced to music played by Bailey's physical education teachers during the event, which ran for 30 minutes. 

Students are excited to begin the event as they walk with waters in hand and pumpkin tally sheets on their backs.

Teachers, parents, and students all wait patiently to begin the annual Bailey Pumpkin Walk-a-Thon.

Pete loves to see schools invest in the health and well-being of their students with healthy, fun-spirited events like these.

Keep up the great work Bailey! 

Adults at any age need at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, which comes out to about 30 minutes, five days a week. Physical activity has different benefits. Walking, for example, can give us energy, help us relax, reduce stress, help us sleep better, tone our muscles, and help us control our appetites. If we have a chronic condition, physical activity can help to improve our health and reduce the risk of developing other conditions. As we age, our balance, flexibility and strength is not as it was in our younger years. Simple, everyday activities, such as opening a water bottle or holding a spoon to eat, can become a hassle. Being active can help us perform our everyday activities with more ease.

Try out the exercises from Go4Life below to improve your balance, flexibility and strength, no matter your age.

 

 

For more exercises, check out Go4Life from the National Institute of Aging. 

Hamilton Elementary students learn that exercise and calcium-rich foods with Vitamin D, from the dairy group, keep their bones strong for life.

What better way to learn about where milk comes from and what foods are made from milk, you ask? A story about a magical cow of course!

Childhood and adolescence is a critical time period for bone building and consuming calcium-rich foods with Vitamin D to keep bones strong for life! Did you know that strength-building and weight-bearing activities keeps our bones strong too? Hamilton Elementary students try Shape of Yoga to get their bones strong for life.

Pre-kindergarten students try a modified Apple Tree pose!

 1st grade students try the Fruit Smoothie pose!

2nd grade students try the Standing Carrot Stick.

Want to give yoga a try? Follow our UC CalFresh Nutrition Staff as they demonstrate a few Shape of Yoga poses.

 Standing Carrot Stick

Folding Quesadilla

Broccoli Lunge

Fruit Smoothie

Apple Tree

 If you give Shape a Yoga a try, feel free to share your pictures with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @UCCalFreshFC.

 March is National Nutrition Month!!!

Click here for tips and handouts to make this month and this year the healthiest yet!