fitCLUB

Fitness Challenge

Challenge kids to move their bodies and have fun doing it. They'll learn fitness ideas and how both exercise and play are part of a healthy lifestyle.

Kids and leader sitting in a circle
Kids writing their ideas on paper
Kids playing in gym.
Group of kids doing movement activities on a field outside
Group of kids playing a game outside
Girls relaxing on yoga mats outside
Home fitClub Session 1-Get to Know the fit Connection S1 Activity 4-Fitness Challenge

Activity Purpose

Introduce kids to the role move plays in fit and the importance of moving their body. They will move and have fun while they learn fitness ideas and how both exercise and play are part of a healthy lifestyle.

Objectives

  • Recognize "move" as physical activity.
  • Identify ways to move throughout the day (e.g., stand, hop, skip, jump, play a game, exercise, play outside, take a walk, dance, etc.).
  • Recognize that it's important to move throughout the day because moving boosts your body and your brain.

Preparation

  • Talk Time: Kids sit and stretch or stand and march in place. Be sure they are a safe distance (arm’s length) apart.
  • Activity: Kids stand in a circle. Give each kid a Move Activity Card.
  • Wrap Up: Kids sit a safe distance apart for group discussion.

Talk Time

Introduction

Q: Which is faster, a race car or your brain? 
A: Your brain! Your brain sends information at 250 mph. 

Here's some important information about moving:

  • Moving can be any physical activity.
  • Moving strengthens your body and brain. 
  • When you are active your bones and muscles get stronger.
  • When you are active your heart pumps more blood and oxygen to your brain, which helps you concentrate and remember things.
  • When you make moving fun, it's easy to do! 

This activity will help you discover fun ways to move!

Do The Activity

Activity Instructions
  1. Kids stand in a circle and march in place while one person selects a Move Activity Card and reads it to the group.
  2. Demonstrate the movement. 
  3. Kids do the movement for the indicated amount of time or repetitions. 
  4. Once finished with the movement, kids resume stretching or marching in place.
  5. Pick another person to draw a new Move Activity Card. 
  6. Continue this until the allotted time is up.
    Note: Not all kids will get a chance to draw a card.

Wrap Up

Reflections

Q: How do you feel right now? 
A: (Pause and allow time for kids think about how they feel at the moment.) That's great! Your movements helped move blood and oxygen throughout your body and brain! It's important to move throughout the day because moving strengthens your body and brain.

Q: What are some ways you can move when you are not at fitClub?
A: Answers vary. Encourage kids to talk about how they can move and be active at school and at home.

 
Challenge

What are some ways you will move when you get home today?

Next Activity

Time: 10 Minutes

What You'll Need

Resources
Materials
  • Music
  • Timer
Helpful Tips
  • If your group's energy is high, consider taking out the “You Choose” cards found in the Move Activity Cards. 
  • Invite individuals to demonstrate the movements on the Move Activity Cards before the group does the movement.

Related Content

Fitness Circuit

 Grades 4-6

Share some strategies with kids so they can self-monitor to reduce screen time and increase play, exercise, and movement activities that boost their energy.

Learn More

Session 9 Welcome

 Grades 4-6

These fitClub lessons and activities help kids build healthy decision-making habits that benefit their minds and bodies and encourage them to learn more.

Learn More

Put a Little Move in Your Day

 Grades 4-6

Get kids thinking about how they can turn play into exercise and exercise into play and make a movement plan that is fun and easy to do throughout the day.

Learn More

Mood, Mood, Move

 Grades 4-6

Help kids understand that movement can be used as a strategy to motivate themselves and manage the many feelings, emotions, and moods they have each day.

Learn More

Know Your Portions

 Grades 4-6

Introduce kids to serving and portion sizes for food and beverages. They will learn to use their hands as a portion guide just right for their body size.

Learn More

Stretch and Discuss fit Tips

 Grades 4-6

Kids do calm breathing and stretching, then discuss sleep and relaxation as a better option than screen time for energy and motivation to make fit choices.

Learn More