We do Real PE.

Physical Education is a required subject. I have heard rumors that public schools have cut funding to sports and physical education programs while at the same time, there are reports of increasing childhood obesity and other health issues and concerns.

Our home-educating agenda is no different as far as requirements and state standards. Legally, up to eighth grade, students are required to participate in a minimum of 20 minutes a day of physical education. High school students require 40 minutes a day for 2 years/4 semesters.

We are already a pretty active family. Since January, we've been hiking every Friday with only a few misses {you can read all about our Friday Hike Days on my other blog}.

For a few years both Sammy and Bird were enrolled in local dance classes. Sam has realized dance is one of his passions and has continued. This year he is taking an acro class and is back in hip hop as well.

Besides that, we participate in regularly scheduled work out sessions with our local community on Monday and Wednesday, at the park. These work outs are real work outs, employing standard strength training and cardio exercises such as: sit ups, crunches, push-ups, burpees, squats, lunges, sprints, planks and more that I can't remember the names of. Admittedly, the 6yo mostly plays with the other children but he will occasionally join us if I ask him to.

These are not home-education focused works out groups. They are led by a local momma who sells nutritional products. She hosts these workouts for free because of her passion for fitness and nutrition.

We get to reap the benefits as they are family/kid friendly. There are usually mommas with littles at the morning work outs and a more diverse/co-ed group at the evening work outs.

Personally, I am nursing an injury and can not participate at the level I have in the past. While the kiddos are doing the actual exercises, I am relegated to walking the perimeter of the park. I don't participate in these exercises only because PE is a state requirement. I actually believe physical fitness is important as a positive contribution to mental and over all health.

Life can be stressful on the best days, add family crisis and change and you open the potential for disaster. I truly believe regular exercise contributes to a better family atmosphere all around.