Games
28 games that count as a workout and feel like playing. Every workout for a reader under 4th grade ends with one of these, because ending on fun with no score is the best idea in children's fitness. Nobody is ever out, and nobody is ever a loser.
On your own
Nobody else needed.
Beat Your Own TimePick three moves you can already do well.5 min · ages 5 to 14 · no gear · 🤫 quiet Dice WorkoutWrite six moves on a bit of paper, numbered one to six.8 min · ages 6 to 14 · no gear · 🤫 quiet Card Deck WorkoutGive each suit a move: hearts, spades, clubs, diamonds.10 min · ages 7 to 14 · no gear · 🤫 quiet The Floor Is LavaPut cushions on the floor, a step apart.6 min · ages 4 to 12 · a cushion Build an Obstacle CourseUse what is already in the room: cushions, a chair, a line of tape.12 min · ages 5 to 14 · a cushion, a chair, chalk · 🤫 quiet Sock BasketballRoll up some socks and put a basket or a box on the floor.8 min · ages 4 to 14 · a beanbag, a basket · 🤫 quiet Balloon Keep-UpA balloon, or a very light scrunched-up ball.6 min · ages 4 to 12 · a soft ball · 🤫 quiet Line HopsChalk or tape one line on the floor.5 min · ages 6 to 14 · chalk
Two of you
You and one other person.
Mirror MeStand facing each other, an arm's length apart.5 min · ages 4 to 14 · a friend · 🤫 quiet Copy the PoseOne person makes a shape and holds it still.5 min · ages 5 to 14 · a friend · 🤫 quiet Keep It UpThrow a soft ball gently between you, and count every catch.6 min · ages 5 to 14 · a soft ball, a friend · 🤫 quiet Rock, Paper, Scissors, SquatsPlay rock, paper, scissors.6 min · ages 6 to 14 · a friend · 🤫 quiet Pass and MoveStand at two markers, a few steps apart.7 min · ages 6 to 14 · a soft ball, a friend, a shoe · 🤫 quiet Shadow MeOne of you walks about the room, changing how you move whenever you like.5 min · ages 5 to 14 · a friend · 🤫 quiet Steal the SockPut a rolled-up sock on the floor between you, a few steps from each.6 min · ages 6 to 14 · a beanbag, a friend · 🤫 quiet Wheelbarrow WalkOne of you puts their hands on the floor; the other lifts their ankles.5 min · ages 7 to 14 · a friend · 🤫 quiet Two Balls at OnceStand a few steps apart with one soft ball each.6 min · ages 8 to 14 · a soft ball, a friend · 🤫 quiet
A group, or a whole class
Three or more, and up to a hall full.
Freeze DanceSomebody plays music, or sings, or claps.6 min · ages 4 to 11 · no gear · 🤫 quiet Animal TagEverybody picks an animal and moves only like that animal.7 min · ages 4 to 11 · no gear · 🤫 quiet Jump the RiverChalk or tape two lines on the floor: that's the river.7 min · ages 5 to 12 · chalk Simon Says MovesOne person calls out moves: Simon says five squats.6 min · ages 4 to 12 · no gear · 🤫 quiet Traffic LightsOne person is the traffic light and calls out colours.7 min · ages 4 to 11 · no gear · 🤫 quiet Hold It Till It Comes BackEverybody gets into a plank in a circle.6 min · ages 7 to 14 · a soft ball · 🤫 quiet Roll an AnimalWrite six animals on a bit of paper, numbered one to six.6 min · ages 4 to 11 · no gear · 🤫 quiet Everybody's ItEverybody is the catcher at the same time.6 min · ages 6 to 12 · no gear · 🤫 quiet The Relay With No QueueSplit into teams of three or four, not ten.8 min · ages 6 to 14 · a shoe · 🤫 quiet Captain's ComingOne person is the captain and calls the orders.7 min · ages 5 to 12 · no gear · 🤫 quiet Pass the PoseStand in a circle. One person makes a shape and holds it.5 min · ages 5 to 14 · no gear · 🤫 quiet