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  5. No Time for the Gym? Go Out and Play

No Time for the Gym? Go Out and Play

By Rachel Morris and Jason Todd July 11, 2007
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Mother chasing her son
Credit: Jason Todd
You can burn major calories this summer just by playing outside as a family.
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Why Play Pays Off

Woman playing soccer with two boys
Credit: Jason Todd

Who wouldn't want to hit a chaise lounge, sip a fruity drink, and kick back while the kids run around? But don't get too comfortable. You can burn major calories just by playing outside as a family. "Even short bursts of exercise can help you lose weight and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol," says Stephen Daniels, MD, PhD, spokesperson for the American Heart Association. Even better, if you're active, your kids will want to follow your lead. Here are 7 fun ways to get started today. (All calorie counts based on a 135-pound woman per 1/2 hour of activity.)

Kicking around the soccer ball will zap 284 calories.

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Fantastic Frisbees

woman catching a frisbee
Credit: Jason Todd

Who knew a casual Frisbee toss could burn 122 calories?

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Slim Skating

Mother and son rollerblading
Credit: Jason Todd

For major waistline whittling, slap on those skates -- in-line skating will deplete 506 calories!

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Jump Around

mother and son jumping rope
Credit: Jason Todd

Break out the jump rope to slash 405 calories in 30 minutes.

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Batter Up

Mother and daughter ready to play wiffle ball
Credit: Jason Todd

Grab your Little Leaguer and start pitching, hitting, and running to burn 243 calories.

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Ride On

mother and son riding bikes
Credit: Jason Todd

Explore your town (or hit up the trails at a local park) by bike -- you'll ride away with 324 fewer calories.

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Tag, You're It!

Mother chasing her son
Credit: Jason Todd

A good, old-fashioned toddler chase burns a surprising 203 calories.

Copyright © 2007. Reprinted with permission from the August 2007 issue of Parents magazine.

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    1 of 7 Why Play Pays Off
    2 of 7 Fantastic Frisbees
    3 of 7 Slim Skating
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    5 of 7 Batter Up
    6 of 7 Ride On
    7 of 7 Tag, You're It!

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