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Hopscotch
Finding Fitness Through a Childhood Game
By Penny Powell
"Caleb, when I call out the type of rock, you have to hop in the matching square," I explained. "Listen carefully, because I'll start saying the names faster and faster." And so I began: "Igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary, sedimentary, metamorphic, igneous..." He loved the challenge of increasing the pace of his hop!
I was happy to be working out with my son in a playful, educational way. Because we were having such a good time and kept adding one more hopscotch game to what was supposed to be the last one, there were moments when I felt like calling some of my friends to suggest they go outside with their children for a round of hopscotch, too.
Eventually, it was time to break up our outdoors fun. But the next day would be a new opportunity for another round of hopscotch and more exercise and creativity. And to think that this kind of cardio activity comes with no price tag other than merely spending quality outdoors time with my child. Now that's a price I don't mind paying and I hope to be hopping, having fun, learning and burning calories with him into my 40s and beyond!
