Sneaky ways to get your kids to exercise

There's a lot of pressure on parents to ensure their children get plenty of exercise.

Unfortunately due to how busy we all are, it's can be hard.

Even if we have all the time in the world on our hands, most activities cost money.

Also, not many of us can afford homes with large backyards in which to run around and play.

Still, there are plenty of sneaky ways to get your kids to exercise without hardly leaving your home.

1. Just Dance 2018

My family is the proud owner of pretty much every version of Just Dance that has ever been released.

Because it is AWESOME.

I'm ashamed to admit (not ashamed in the slightest) to say I even bought the special ABBA edition for my sister and I.

Just Dance is a really good workout.

Kids can play the game on their own or with a group of friends, for fun or competitively.

They'll be exercising every day without even knowing it.

Psychomotor Specialist, Martine Curtat Cadet says Just Dance and any form of dancing in particular, helps with a child's development.

"Dance has many properties for children. It is a source of creativity, interpretation and appeals to their imagination, all beneficial for the development of self-confidence. Children can express their emotions and feelings through gesture and movements while having fun. Also, as a physical activity, it helps with the school learning process.

"It helps with tasks such as writing and the integration of curves and straight lines. Similarly, it can help in mathematics with space and direction. Finally, it leads to the development of concentration and instructions listening."

The good news is Just Dance 2018 is out now!

2. Walk the dog

Getting a dog was one of the best things I ever did for my family.

I chose a medium-size dog, a Cocker Spaniel, so she could spend plenty of time inside without destroying the house.

We walk her outdoors sometimes, but mostly we just play with her all around the house.

The kids get her favourite toys and run around with her for hours, playing catch, fetch and just running for no reason.

Because they all love it.

3. Invest in small play equipment

Most homes can fit a small piece of play equipment in the backyard and they are an excellent investment.

We were lucky enough to be able to find a rental that fit a good-size trampoline in it.

It took a good two years for my children to start to get bored of it but I came up with the perfect solution.

I waited for the weather to warm up and hit it with the hose!

Fun and GAMES!

4. Get the hose out

Speaking of hoses, don't forget how much fun you had as a child simply playing in a sprinkler.

And not those new ones with fancy patterns are leave you chasing them to get wet.

I mean the affordable, common sprinklers with an even spray sold at places like Kmart.

Plenty of fun for minimal cost in your own back yard.

5. Wash the car

I never used to wash my car, until I saw my husband and the kids washing his ahead of an important meeting.

Talk about workouts.

The kids had so much fun scrubbing and rinsing and drying (yes, he made them dry it).

They were in the driveway for at least two hours and didn't stand still.

6. Plant a garden

A small garden is a great way to keep kids exercising because gardens require constant maintenance. 

They are a big job, as I found out.

You need to weed, water, pick and plant constantly.

Also there's something so soothing getting your hands nice and dirty in the great outdoors.

How do you keep your children active?