5 Ways to Get Active With Grandkids

Yoga

From prenatal yoga to gentle yoga for the 50-plus set, there's a class for practically everyone. Yoga for children is gaining popularity; more than 100 public schools offer classes for their students. You'll also find many local yoga instructors and studios that offer gentle intergenerational classes — a great way to bond with grandkids and improve your own health. Yoga is easy to learn, portable (little or no equipment required) and builds strength, muscle tone, coordination and balance — benefits for all ages. Buy a yoga DVD for kids and keep it at home for those moments when you need to occupy little ones. Make it fun by doing simple yoga poses that are based on animals and nature. Try a few "woofs" with your downward facing dog pose, have an imaginary bird perch on your arm during a tree pose and do a few "ribbits" during your frog pose.

Exergaming

The new gaming systems geared for fitness and exercise are not just for kids — grandparents are also buying systems like Nintendo Wii. Families tend to keep their Wii console in the family/living room (59 percent) as opposed to in the kids room (19 percent), which confirms the "exergaming" trend is a popular way to motivate multigenerational family togetherness. Studies have shown that Wii games, such as bowling, baseball and tennis and other Wii Fit activities improve balance and coordination among older adults. Capitalize on your grandchildren's interest in entertainment media but get them moving. You might even be able to beat them at this type of video game!