5 Fun Ways to Add Activity to Group Get-Togethers

Join a local league for softball, soccer, basketball, kickball, or another sports interest. Don’t worry if you’re not a star player! Most leagues offer options for different age groups or experience levels – and you may be able to find groups that aren’t competitive but just there for the comradery and fun. Structured group activity provides exercise on a regular schedule and social benefits like improved cognitive skills and perhaps even longer life.

You don’t have to break a sweat to get your body moving! Grab some friends or family members, check the upcoming forecast, and head outside on a nice day for a scavenger hunt. To make planning easier and ensure everyone gets to participate, there are companies and mobile apps that do all of the heavy lifting and design your seeking adventure for you. Walking from clue to clue may help you maintain or lose weight and strengthen your bones and muscles!

Pretend you and your friends are tourists in your own city by searching online for “local walking tours” in neighborhoods or areas you haven’t been before. Look for different types depending on the group’s interest - history, art, food, or music are just a few options. By walking from destination to destination, you’ll not only become an expert of your town but you may also gain health benefits like improved heart health and a decreased risk of some cancers.

Well, active ones! From bowling to archery to dancing, video game systems now offer numerous options to get your heart pumping instead of just sitting on the couch. Invite friends and family over for some friendly competition and to burn some calories!

Hitting the lanes may seem like a slow-paced activity, but you’d be surprised how the action of throwing a bowling ball helps strengthen and tone your muscles. Additional health benefits include better hand-eye coordination and improved flexibility and balance. Plus, getting up and down for your turn adds more steps to your day. Just don’t consume too much pizza or soda to counteract your effort!