Children and active adults will spend more time indoors as the temperatures outside continue to drop.
For many, it means swapping out your baseball bat for a hockey stick. For others, it means more video game time, puzzles, or traditional board games played in the comfort of a warm and cozy living room.
However, that doesn’t mean every indoor game is necessarily a non-physical activity. If you have extra space in your basement or living room, there are a host of physical gaming activities you can try.
But just like your favourite outdoor sports, there are some best practices and safety tips you’ll want to keep in mind.
Indoor Table Tennis, Anyone? You Better Stretch First
Whether you have a ping pong table in the garage or a table tennis set you can use on the dining room table, it’s important to try and limber up before you play.
It may seem funny to some, but those “friendly” indoor games can get mighty competitive. Many of the same muscles you use for a game of tennis on the court will come into play as you test your abilities at home.
Your shoulders, triceps, wrists, abdominal muscles, and hamstrings could all benefit from a good stretch before you start your tournament. A little warm-up is good for the mind and body and will help you get focused as you put on your game face.
Treat Indoor Games at Home Like Any Other Sport
Like any physical outdoor activity, you must stay hydrated. People don’t drink enough water during the winter months. Regular water intake during activities keeps you energized, alert, and ready for your opponent’s next move.
Drinking water is especially beneficial during the colder months as it helps bolster your immunity for the cold and flu season.
Make Sure the Play Area is Safe
Most parents are aware that any home is full of potential hazards. Still, when you introduce a new game, everyone’s enthusiasm to start playing right away can sometimes cloud your judgment.
Take the ever-popular SuperSafe Mini Hockey Set, for example. This activity brings the excitement of on-ice play to any carpeted room in your home. Although it’s designed to minimize the risk of injury to players (and your home), you’ll still want to ensure no dangerous furniture items are sticking out near the play area. Don’t just move potential obstacles aside; make sure they are completely out of the way.
Depending on the kids’ ages, you’ll want mom or dad acting as referee to ensure there’s no unintentional high sticking. Games are the most fun when everyone follows the agreed-upon rules.
Less Running, More Concentration
Although your little ones may feel cooped inside all day with energy to burn, starting an indoor game of tag is never advisable. Let’s face it: frantic, high-energy games like that are a potential accident just waiting to happen.
What you can have them do is work on their gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Target-aiming games like the Run Away Bean Bag Toss keep kids engaged, active, and, most importantly, safe! In this particular game, the motorized target base does all the moving.
Another nice thing about this type of activity is that the kids aren’t throwing anything at each other; all the targets they want to hit are low to the ground. It’s a safe and entertaining option for kids and adults alike.
Physical indoor activities at home can be a lot of fun, just as long as you always remember to play safe.
Check out the latest playtime offerings from Outdoorgames n Sports. There’s no shortage of fantastic options!
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