Ideas for Summer Jobs for Teens
So it’s time to look for a summer job. What’s out there? You’ll need to narrow things down according to your abilities, of course, but knowing what’s out there is a good place to start. Here is an overview of ideas for summer jobs for teens.
1. Lawn and Garden
It may be old-fashioned, but mowing grass and trimming lawns are still respectable and lucrative summer jobs for teens. If you don’t have your own equipment, you can let that be one of your stipulations for doing the job – the client must have his or her own equipment. You also might find someone from whom you can borrow or rent lawn equipment. If you buy all the equipment yourself, it can get pretty costly – you might have to do lawn and garden care for several summers in a row! You could also rent out the equipment to someone else who wants to do lawn and garden care, or partner up with someone and split costs.
2. Babysitting
Most of your parents did this summer job as a teen, too, and for good reason – parents nearly always need childcare! During the summer, parents are often looking for someone to watch their children. Because school is out, you might be able to land a daily babysitting job while the parents are at work. Or you might be asked to accompany a family on vacation. Generally, though, the majority of babysitting jobs are for weekends, which may cut into your social life. But since it’s summer and you’re not in school, you might be able to hang out with your friends some during the week.
3. Burger Flipping
It may have a not-so-great reputation, but when you think about it, working at a fast-food restaurant (even without burgers!) can be a great way to earn money and gain experience. You can also learn a lot about how employment works, and how to manage your time and money.
4. Animal Care
Lots of teens love animals. Getting a job working with them is a possibility, too. Find out if your local animal shelter is hiring summer help, even if it’s just help for a summer event. Your local vets can also give you advice, or they may even have a job available. Zoos, stables, aquariums, and even parks may have jobs available for those who love to work with animals. It might be something pretty rudimentary, like cleaning out stalls or washing glass enclosures.
5.
Ideas for Independence Day Celebrations
Not sure how to celebrate Independence Day this year? Sometimes it does seem like you’ve done it all – or maybe you haven’t done a celebration before. Regardless, you may need some thoughts on getting started. Here are some ideas for Independence Day celebrations.
1. Crafts
A fun and memorable way to celebrate Independence Day is with crafts. You can have a get-together of families with kids or a gathering of adults or teens – there are crafts for just about every age group. Here are some ideas for various age groups.
-For toddlers and preschoolers, “Uncle Sam hat” made from stiff white paper and red, white and blue construction paper.
-Necklaces and bracelets can be made by various age groups. Just have age-appropriate beads in red, white and blue and age-appropriate necklace material (leather, cloth, ribbon, or upholstery thread for older kids and adults, and yarn, cloth, or string for young kids).
-Tweens and teens might enjoy decorating a white canvas tote or white cotton shirt.
-Tweens and teens might also like making their own headbands using stretch cloth and beads.
-Small children might enjoy making a magic wand using a wooden dowel, white craft foam (to make a star), and red, white, and blue glitter.
-Of course, the American flag theme can be applied to many crafts and many ages, from simple coloring pages for young kids to sewing a flag-themed throw pillow or tote.
-Older kids might enjoy Independence Day manicures and pedicures – break out the red, white, and blue nail polish!
2. Cookout or Picnic
What better way to celebrate Independence Day than with a traditional cookout or picnic! A cookout might involve having friends over and playing games, then eating outside. Or maybe you could have a picnic with fried chicken and potato salad. Hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken breasts, and beef kabobs are all classic Independence Day fare.
3. Games
Play some all-American games on Independence Day! Involve the neighborhood and/or family in a game of baseball at your local park. Or fly kites and play Frisbee. American football is another great game for Independence Day.
4. Fireworks
It doesn’t get much more traditional than fireworks. Make a night of it – stake out a place to watch your local fireworks and take the family. If the location is conducive to it, maybe bring a picnic dinner and games to pass the time before the fireworks begin. As long as you are within your community’s laws, you can set off fireworks yourself, too. Or just stick with sparklers and bang-pops and such (as long as you are considerate of your neighbors!).
Crock Pot Sweet Potato Apple Pork Roast
1/2 cup apple juice
1 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1 inch think
3 medium onions, sliced and separated into rings
4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
2 lbs boneless center cut pork loin roast, trimmed of fat
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 fresh sage
1/8 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 cup cold water
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Directions:
Layer the onions, apples and sweet potatoes in the crock pot and then add the apple juice.
In a skillet over medium heat, brown all sides of the pork loin to seal in the juices. Place browned loin in the crock pot.
Add the mustard, pepper and sage. Cover and cook on low for about 9 hours or until meat is fully done. Because crock pot temperatures vary, you may want to check the roast for doneness after 7 hours.
Once fully cooked, transfer meat and veggies to a serving platter, reserving the juices.
To make the “gravy” – In a cup or small bowl, combine water, brown sugar and cornstarch. Stir this into the crock pot and cook until thinkened (about a minute or two).
How to Throw a Fabulous Independence Day Block Party
A block party is basically a neighborhood get-together. The name probably comes from including everyone on “the block,” and from the fact that you “block off” a section of the street to throw your party. Independence Day block parties are often held in the suburbs, and you’ll need to get permission from local officials before you do it. (You’ll need a permit.) If you’d like to throw a fabulous Independence Day block party, read on for some tips and suggestions.
1. Invitations
First, decide whom to invite. It may seem obvious, but it bears mentioning – it’s not very polite to block off a section of a neighborhood street and not invite everyone who lives in that section! After that, though, it’s up to you whom you invite from around the community.
Once you’ve decided on your guests, you’ll need to let them know. One way is with flyers inserted into mailboxes or on car windshields. All you need is a printer and some paper. If you know all the guests’ e-mail addresses, you can invite folks online, too. Sometimes a combination is good – the e-mail can serve as a reminder.
2. Food
For Independence Day, a cookout is traditional; but you probably don’t want to be cooking for your whole neighborhood. Guests can bring their own grills and set them up – guests can then bring their own food and grill it on the neighbors’ grills. Alternatively, you can have the block party catered if everyone wants to pitch in. Still another idea is a picnic or potluck approach – everyone brings something.
Tables can be rented or improvised with plywood, cinder blocks, and tablecloths. Guests can bring their own folding chairs.
3. Drinks
Guests can bring their favorite beverages, and ice-filled coolers can be set up along or in front of tables. A big bowl of festive punch is a nice touch, too.
4. All Ages
It’s more fun to be inclusive, and it’s in the spirit of the American melting pot! Welcome elderly people as well as kids and young adults. More people will be able to come if they don’t have to find childcare, or if grandma or grandpa can come along.
5. Music
Music is essential for a block party! If you can swing it, a traditional brass quartet could play patriotic songs. Or you can also hook up a stereo or CD player and let the music play. It’s a good idea to have a DJ or at least someone “manning” the CD player – you don’t want people mixing up CDs and getting things confused.
6. Fireworks
Once again in accordance with local laws, see if you can set off some fireworks, Roman candles, or sparklers at your block party.
How to Have a Fun and Successful Independence Day Party
Having an Independence Day party can be a lot of fun. Whether you have a backyard cookout or host an entire block party, an Independence Day party means planning, decorations, food, entertainment, and more planning! Here are some tips on how to have a fun and successful Independence Day party.
1. Lists
Not everyone makes lists, but it sure can help to write things down. Making a list of everything that needs to be done and the steps necessary to accomplish it can go a long way toward making your party a success (instead of a stress-fest!). Here is an example of the categories your list might have.
-Guest list
-Decorations supplies
-Favors
-Food (followed by grocery/food shopping list)
-Flatware/dishes needed
-House cleaning (what needs to be done, what you’ll do each day to clean)
-Games
This is just a broad example; once you get started making a list, you will probably find that the categories and details start listing themselves!
2. Decorating
Of course, red, white, and blue will be the main color theme; but here are some tips on how to decorate with these colors.
-Think Fireworks
Fireworks sparkle in various colors (not just red, white, and blue!) against a dark sky. So maybe black or gray tablecloths with sparkly confetti or glitter sprinkled in the middle. Or tie medium-length bits of shiny ribbons to the end of bamboo skewers, and stick these into gravel-filled vases as a centerpiece.
-Lights
Red, white, and blue lights look great on your mantle, along your porch railing, and on large houseplants and potted trees.
-Streamers
Few things give a festive air like streamers. Go with your theme colors and drape streamers where they will look festive, but not get in the guests’ way. If you have fans going (since it’s a hot time of year), tape some streamers to the fans so they blow outward.
-Flags
Flags make great centerpieces, too, stuck in vases or other holders. You can add them in with the ribbon decorations, for instance.
3. Food
Independence Day food depends somewhat on whether or not you are cooking in our cooking out. But some foods can work either way, like hamburgers or kebobs (kebobs can be cooked under the broiler). A buffet will probably work best, with lots of finger foods and a build-your-own burger set up. Remember, traditional American food is welcome at an Independence Day party, but you may want to modernize it with low-fat or healthier versions of this typically greasy fare (such as veggie burgers and oven-baked fries or grilled vegetables).
4. Favors
Guests appreciate favors. Here are some ideas for favors.
-Red, white, and/or blue candles, or apple pie scented candles
-Sparklers
-American flag pins
-Big cookies with Independence Day-themed icing designs (you could even make “cookie pops” by putting the cookies on a skewer)
-Red and white carnations tied with red, white, and blue ribbon
Put a little planning into it, and you’ll have a fun and successful party!
How to Find a Good Water Aerobics Instructor
In your quest for a good water aerobics class, don’t forget the importance of the instructor. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell just what to look for in a good aquatic instructor, so here are some tips and hints about how to find a good water aerobics instructor.
1. Who’s Available?
Do some research in your local area and find out who is out there. Check with your local recreation center, YMCA/YWCA, and/or fitness outfit. Any local pool should be able to give you the names of instructors who teach at their pool, or at least refer you to a pool where aerobics classes are held. This will give you a list of various instructors to compare.
2. Pricing
Don’t hesitate to ask how much their classes cost. You’ll be wanting to compare various instructors on all sorts of points, and how much the class costs is important. It’s not only a question of your budget; it’s also a possible indication of the instructor’s experience level, skill set, and certification status. (It isn’t always, though – that’s why it’s a good idea to read on!)
3. Skill Level and Experience
Ask your prospective instructor how long he has been teaching, and what motivated his decision to become an aerobics instructor. Find out if she has the credentials to teach advanced classes as well as beginning and intermediate. If she only teaches one particular level, find out why.
4. Certification
Is the instructor certified? This is not necessarily the end all and be all of aerobics instruction; someone who is not certified may be quite experienced and very good; conversely, someone who is certified may be lacking experience or interpersonal skills. But when it comes to things like certification in CPR and life-saving measures, having an instructor who is certified in these things can be important.
4. Personal Meeting
You will want to meet with your potential instructor one-on-one. While you are interviewing him, see if he is enthusiastic about what he does. Ask her what she likes most about teaching water aerobics, and how long she’s been doing it. Look for a personable, energetic person who seems dedicated and good with people.
5. Visit the Class
You can learn a great deal by sitting in on a class. Watch beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes to determine which one would suit you best. Notice how the instructor interacts with her class. Does she pay attention to each individual? Do the students seem to be having fun? How does he interact with the students before and after class?
As you do your research and keep a running list of instructors, you should be able to find one that fits your needs, your budget, and your fitness level.
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Soup
1/4 cup onion, chopped
3 large garlic cloves, minced (or 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic)
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 quart half-and-half cream
1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese
2 cups water
1 bunch broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 cups boneless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1 1/4 teaspoons pepper
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 dash nutmeg
6 oz bow tie pasta, cooked according to package directions
Directions:
In a medium size pan bring the broccoli and water to a hard boil. Remove from heat. Leaving the water in the pot with the broccoli, set it aside.
In a separate large stockpot, sauté the onions and garlic in butter. Add the flour and bring to a soft boil.
Carefully wisk in the half & half and chicken broth. Stirring well untill thickend.
Add the cheese and stir until melted then add the broccoli, chicken, seasonings and pasta heat through.
Creative Summer Jobs for Teens
When it comes to summer jobs for teens, a little creativity can go a long way. This is especially true this year, when the job market looks a bit dismal. With some creativity, you may be able to carve out an employment niche for yourself. Here are some ideas for creative summer jobs for teens.
1. Deliveries
Do you have a bike? You may find summer work making deliveries for local businesses. As businesses seek to keep costs down, a teen on a bicycle is a more affordable option than a delivery company. It also helps businesses avoid sending one of their own employees out of the office to make deliveries.
2. Pet Sitting
During the summer, a lot of pet owners are looking for an affordable way to have their pets cared for while they’re out of town. Boarding pets can be expensive, and some pet owners opt out of conventional vaccination schedules, making boarding impossible (boarding kennels generally require updated vaccinations). So you could potentially make money while savings other people money – a win-win! The more experience and references you have, the better; if you have horse-keeping experience, for instance, that can help expand your employment opportunities.
3. Look No Further Than Yourself
If you can’t work at a traditional company this summer, go into business for yourself instead. There are so many possibilities! Here are some thoughts for your own creative business this summer:
-Website designer
-Lawn and garden care
-Mother’s helper (you babysit in the children’s home with their mother or a parent present)
-Visiting shut-ins or those in nursing homes (family members would hire you to visit with their elderly relatives; no professional healthcare involved – just visiting and cheering them up)
-House cleaning
-Car washing
-Portrait drawing
4. Farming
Okay, you probably don’t have a farm (if you do, even better!). But if you can find a piece of land, you can grow your own produce and sell it at your local farmers’ market. If you don’t have the land at your own home, some people who do have farms are willing to rent you a piece of land or let you farm a piece for a fee.
So get creative! Think about what you’re good at and see if you can get someone to pay you for doing it. Find a way to make your skills useful to others.
Celebrating Independence Day with Your Kids
Independence Day is a fun holiday to celebrate with kids. For one thing, it’s in the summer, when there are not any fun holidays in sight. There are so many things you can do to celebrate Independence Day with your kids besides just viewing fireworks. Here are some ideas.
1. Crafts
Independence Day offers some unique crafting opportunities for celebrating with your kids. Here are some ideas.
-Patriotic Pinwheels
Make these mobile crafts using red, white, and blue card stock, unsharpened pencils, and a thumb tacks. You’ll also need scissors.
First, cut 2 pieces of card stock into squares (if the paper is 9″ by 11″, just cut 2″ off the 11″ end of each piece). Then, fold the squares into triangles; then fold the triangles in half to make smaller triangle. Unfold, and then use the scissors to cut 4 slits halfway along the fold lines. Take the lower right corner of each triangle (created by the fold lines) and bend it to the center. Do this with all lower right corners until all 4 corners are on top of each other in the center. Use the thumb tack to secure them, then push the end of the thumb tack into the pencil’s eraser.
-Beads
Use beads to make all kinds of crafts, from headbands (thread beads at intervals onto stretchy cloth), bracelets, and necklaces. Beads can be sewn or glued with fabric glue onto tote bags or tee shirts. Beads can be adapted to fit most age groups, making them a versatile craft idea.
2. Treats
Kids love to celebrate with special treats! Independence Day lends itself to fun foods. You can dress up store-bought foods or make your own. Invest in some red, white, and blue sugar and sprinkles, and let your imagination go! Here are some ideas.
-Dip the ice cream sides of ice cream sandwiches into candy sprinkles (or just sprinkle red and blue candies/sugar on vanilla ice cream).
-Mix strawberries, blueberries, and mini marshmallows together into a sweet “salad.”
-Use blue corn chips to make patriotic snacks – salsa and cream cheese or sour cream can be the red and white. You can also melt white cheddar onto the chips and top with a slice of cherry tomato.
3. Games
Kids love games! Here are some ideas for Independence Day ones.
-Patriotic Pass-the-Egg
Who says dyeing eggs is just for Easter? Dye some eggs red and blue (leave some white) for a patriotic twist on this classic party game. You can get creative as to how the eggs are passed down the lines of participants. One popular way to play the game is to have 2 lines of players. Everyone in line gets a spoon (red, white, and blue plastic spoons would be good!). The first player at the start of each line runs to a point with his egg in his spoon, then back to the line to pass the egg to the next player in line. Participants can’t touch the egg during transfer; it must be passed using the spoons only. The first line to finish wins.
-Outdoor Games
Since it’s summer, outdoor lawn games, races, tag, and other active games you wished you could play in winter can be brought out now! If the weather is bad, go for puzzles (print out a patriotic design onto card stock, glue it onto cardboard, and cut with a box cutter), or read children’s stories about the first Independence Day.
Celebrate Independence Day with Hiking and Camping
Hiking and camping are time-honored American pastimes, so why not celebrate Independence Day with one or both of them? It’s a great way to celebrate freedom and the lovely American landscape. Here are some ideas for celebrating Independence Day with hiking and camping.
1. Backyard Camp Out
You don’t have to travel far for this Independence Day camping event. Here are some ideas on having a backyard camp out on the Fourth.
-Pitch a tent and bring the grill out to the “camp site.” Cook and eat dinner outside. Go for all-American food like hotdogs and hamburgers, and grill potato wedges for fries. Don’t forget the ketchup – and add a few drops of blue food coloring to the mayonnaise!
-In accordance with your local ordinances, restrictions, and location, light sparklers or set off Roman candles while you’re outside.
-Play lawn games and engage in other outdoor activities. After all, you’re outside all night!
2. Bonfire and Stories
In the evening, gather the family at an appropriate location such as a friend or family member’s farm or a state park. Bring after-dinner snacks such as s’mores and sit around the bonfire, telling stories about America’s founding. If you have a veteran with you, let him or her tell stories about serving in the military. You could also prepare readings for your bonfire, such as a reading of the Declaration of Independence or the famous poem, Paul Revere’s Ride.
3. Backpacking
One of the fun things about backpacking is the time you get to spend together as a family. There are no electronic distractions (no electricity at all, in fact!), and everyone has time to think and talk to each other. Why not start a family tradition of backpacking on Independence Day?
Backpacking can take the form of a camping trip that lasts multiple nights, or it can be a day trip only. If you are just going for the day, your backpacking gear does not have to be extensive. If you set up camp overnight, fly the flag at your camp site!
4. Day Hike
A day’s hike is another great way to celebrate Independence Day. Perhaps you could hike somewhere that ends in a location with a perfect view of the night’s fireworks. Or maybe you could hike to a place where you can set off your own (as long as it’s legal, of course). This can become a tradition in your family, and it can be a wonderful way to build memories.
Any of the above suggestions work for establishing family traditions. And as your kids age, they can bring along friends, too.
Cherry Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
1 1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into bite size pieces
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 pound dark sweet cherries, pitted and halved
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1/3 cup toasted and sliced almonds
12 leaves of lettuce
Directions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ginger and chicken. Saute until cooked through. Set aside.
Using a large bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon oil, vinegar, teriyaki sauce and honey. Add chicken mixture, cherries, carrot, green onion and almonds mix together. Divide into 12 portions
Spoon one portion of the chicken mixture onto the center of each lettuce leaf; roll up the leaf and serve.
Benefits of Summer Jobs for Teens
Are you wondering if your teen should get a job for the summer? Maybe you are a teen and you aren’t sure you want to get into the job world just yet. You might want or need to work, but you aren’t sure if there’s really any benefit to it other than making some money.
Actually, there are some significant benefits for teens who work summer jobs. It’s not just making money – it’s learning to manage it, cultivating a healthy attitude toward wage-earning, learning responsibility, and other benefits. Here are some of the benefits of summer jobs for teens.
1. Learning Where it Comes From
Having a summer job (or any job!) can be very eye-opening. Being on the other side of the counter/cash register/window/etc. can really help teens gain empathy and understanding of just what goes into a job. You may develop a whole new viewpoint about the person who delivers your pizza, or about the people who work behind a register on Christmas Eve so consumers can do last-minute shopping.
2. Money Management
While teens do not typically have expenses such as a mortgage, groceries, and home maintenance and repairs, they do have things they want or need to spend money on. When you earn money yourself, you tend to appreciate it more, and teens may develop a sense of just how money works. If you spend it on one thing, you can’t spend it on another, and once it’s spent it’s gone. This is a basic concept that even some adults have never learned!
3. Keeping Out of Trouble
Not all teens get into trouble if they don’t have a job. But sources point out that teens who hold summer jobs are less likely to get into trouble or engage in risky activities and behaviors.
4. Skill Set
Developing a marketable set of skills is important for future success. Holding a job in the summer is something a teen can add to his or her resume, and it’s experience he or she can cite on job applications.
5. Time Management
Managing one’s time is like managing one’s money – it does not always come naturally. And mismanagement of time and/or money can wreak havoc in a person’s life. Holding a summer job may help teens learn this important life skill – they will need to juggle time with friends and time spent at their job.
6. Sense of Accomplishment
Holding a job in the summer helps a teen feel more confident. It gives him or her a sense of accomplishment and confidence that he or she can carry along to the next opportunity.
Babysitting for Teens this Summer
Babysitting is a time-honored way for teens to earn money in the summer. Even with the internet and innovative new business ideas, babysitting is still a viable and needed summer job for teens. Here are some things to consider as you think about babysitting this summer.
1. Training
Yes, there’s training available for babysitters. Your local Red Cross will probably have a course, or your local hospital or YMCA/YWCA. There are some advantages to training – you can charge more for your services, and such training looks good on your resume. But there is a downside, too – it’s a time commitment that may not be in proportion to your babysitting interests. Also, charging more sounds good but it could also mean you garner fewer clients.
2. Getting Started
If you don’t go for formal training, you can build your experience on your own. One way to start is as a Mother’s Helper. Typically, a Mother’s Helper charges less than a babysitter. You go into the home while the mother is there, so there is less responsibility involved. The mom can then get things done such as housework, working on a business project, and so forth. The Mother’s Helper may also help the mom with some of these tasks. Being a Mother’s Helper is generally a more low-key job that works well as an introduction to babysitting. It’s also increasingly popular – as more and more moms work from home, in-home help is more in demand than ever.
You might also get started by teaming up with an experienced babysitter. You can provide help while learning and earning a portion of the wages.
3. Getting Clients
It’s important to remember that parents treasure and value their children. Any advertising you do should reflect your responsible attitude and love for kids.
One of the best ways to get clients is by word of mouth. Your parents will know you’re interested in babysitting, and your parents will be in the “parent community.” Many times parents get asked if their teenager babysits. Parents prefer babysitters they know or whose parents they know, so it gives you a leg up if you get clients through your parents.
Another thing you can do is set up a blog or website and advertise your site. You can write about your experiences, opinions, goals, and so forth and post your prices and experience. Blogs and websites can act like an online resume.
4. What to Charge?
Babysitting can vary a lot in terms of pay. A young mother’s helper can expect up to $5 an hour but not much more. A typical amount is $7 per hour, but you can vary it according to the number of kids. For instance, you could charge $7 per hour for a one-child family, and $4 per child per hour if there is more than one child (so a 2-child family would be $8 an hour, a 3-child family would be $12 per hour, etc.). You could have a flat fee for large families that you work out with each individual client.
Babysitting is still a great way for teens to earn money and gain experience over the summer.
Aquatics at Your Local YMCA and YWCA
You have probably heard of the benefits of aquatics (also known as aquatic exercise, water aerobics, and water exercise). But it is not always easy to find a place to do it – after all, most of us do not have pools in our living rooms!
As you are looking for a place for you or your family to get into aquatics, don’t forget about your local YMCA/YWCA. Programs tend to vary depending on location, but here are some of the offerings you may find at your local YMCA/YWCA. Regardless of location, you’ll need a “Y” membership to start.
1. Swim Lessons
Whether you are a beginner or advanced, the Y usually offers swimming lessons. they are for kids or adults, and can be elaborate or simple. There are often swim lessons even for babies 6 months and older, and for children over 6. The age of the swimmer is not usually important; they typically categorize swimmers by skill level rather than age (a 6 year old might be more skilled than some 12 year olds, for instance).
2. Pool Membership
If you just want to show up on your own time and do your own thing in the water, your local “Y” can fix you up with a pool membership. This just means that you can come and go as you like, whenever the pool is open. For those who have their own equipment or just prefer things to be unstructured, this might be a good option.
Pool membership is also a good, basic way to get your family involved. You could have a regular pool day where everyone goes to workout and/or play in the water. Remember, any time you move in the water you burn calories – so it’s okay just to have fun in the pool sometimes!
3. Water Aerobics
Adult water aerobics at the Y – sometimes called Swimnastics – is a fitness program that is geared toward promoting fitness for adults. Basically, it’s a low-impact aerobics class held in the water, with toning and cardiovascular health as the goals. Your Y may also offer Hydrofit, a more intense, vigorous workout for the whole body. Like Swimnastics, Hydrofit is a water aerobics class, but it is generally in the deep end of the pool and is a total body workout.
4. Swim Team
If your kids (or anyone aged approximately 5 to 21) completes the swimming classes with success, he or she can be on the swim team at the Y. On the swim team, your kids will get to travel, connect with other swimmers, and improve their swimming skills.
Rhubarb Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Ingredients
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained with juice reserved
3 cups rhubarb, chopped
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
In a bowl, stir together the pineapple, rhubarb, both sugars, gelatin, and marshmallows. Pour evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Using the same bowl, prepare the cake mix according to package directions – substituting the reserved pineapple juice for as much water in the recipe as possible. Drizzle over the fruit, and spread evenly.
Bake for 50 – 60 min, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Carefully flip the cake onto a serving platter while warm. Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Why Water? Health Benefits of Aquatic Exercise
There are lots of options for getting in shape and exercising; so why choose water? There are actually some health benefits to aquatic exercise that are particular to that form of exercise. Here is an overview of some of the benefits of aquatic exercise.
1. Support
Water provides a gentle and effective support that helps with balance and joint stress. For pregnant women, water provides buoyancy and may provide relief from the stress and strain of pregnancy on the body. Falling during exercise is a whole different thing when there is water to catch you, so those with balance problems or difficulty getting coordinated with traditional workout moves may find the support of water is just the thing.
2. Keeping Cool
For those prone to overheating and sweating, aquatic exercise can help keep you cool. It also eliminates (or at least decreases) the sometimes uncomfortable appearance and feeling of excessive sweating. Water helps to keep your body temperature even as you work out.
3. Resistance
Water offers greater resistance than air. That’s why it’s so hard to run fast in water! Your muscles have to work harder for even simple movements. This may increase muscle strength and endurance, and helps with toning. Sources say that water exercise produces desired results faster than exercise on dry land.
Another potential benefit of water’s resistance is the increase in calories burned per minute.
4. Mobility
In the water, you can move in ways you just can’t on land. With the water to hold you up, you may find that you can move your joints in a wider range of motion than in the air.
5. Mental Health
There is evidence to suggest that aquatic exercise improves the mental state of participants. For those with painful disorders such as arthritis, exercise in warm water can improve mood and outlook. Research shows that pregnant women can improve their mood and the mental health of their babies. There is even evidence that shows water exercise can help ease depression.
6. Blood Pressure
Sources say that water exercise can reduce blood pressure. This may tie in with stress reduction, which aquatic exercise is said to help. Also, water exercise is reputed to improve overall cardiovascular health, which may, by extension, improve blood pressure as well. Sources note that aquatic exercise maintains an increased heart rate, which is important for heart health; but the maintained heart rate is said to be lower than the heart rate reached when you run, for instance.