Who ever said physical activity is all work and no play? In fact, it can be just the opposite!

Also if you turn off the TV, you can even come up with some stupendous ideas of your own!

• Use the balcony as a family exercise place and use the railing to do the stretches (like those done in a ballet class).

You can stretch the hamstrings (back of the thigh) or the calf or the quadriceps (front of the thighs on your balcony.

• Create a workout zone in your veranda. Make different workstations. Like station 1-jog, station 2,push-ups,3- abs etc.

Make at least 10 stations and each member starts at station 1 and works himself around to the end of the activity.

Each station needs 2 minutes and you can have an excellent workout together in 20 minutes.

• Make walking fun by making it a game.

Decide on the number of rounds you’ll take of the garden and then time it.

Take a 10-minute walk after breakfast, lunch, and dinner to reach the goal of 30 minutes per day or take a family walk after dinner. If you have a dog, take it out for a walk.

• You don’t need the park or a track, you can jog in place, or even go up and down the stairs in your house or apartment building.

• Take the staircase challenge—count how many stairs you can walk in 2 minutes.

Each time you walk the stairs, go faster and see how many more steps you can squeeze in. If you don't have stairs, just count your steps for 2 minutes and add more steps each time.

• Do energetic house chores such as vacuuming and washing floors of the balcony and the veranda or watering the garden.

Wash your car by hand. Divide the tasks among the different members of the family.

• Make a challenging obstacle in the garden.

Dig through the garage for tires, boxes and poles to create courses that encourage all kinds of activities from running and jumping to crawling or creeping

• Exercise a lot of muscles by stretching elastic bands in different directions and using various body positions.

These coloured bands come in a range of resistance levels to match the strength of each family member.

• Exercise your heart, lungs, and blood system - try dancing to your favourite upbeat music or do shadowboxing.

• While working from home, take frequent breaks to stretch your muscles.

Do jumping jacks, or run up and down the stairs. This will not only add to your daily exercise routine but keep you alert and active all day long too.

• Did you know that conducting music is a form of exercising?  Waving your hands and arms in the air can increase muscle strength and flexibility, and improve blood circulation.

So all of you grab a spoon, chopstick or just use your imagination, turn up some music, classical or not, and begin “directing” an imaginary orchestra.

• Jumping rope is a great way to increase stamina and improve your coordination. 

So jump rope, hop on one foot, or jumping jacks. Count how many you can do in thirty seconds.

• Construct a miniature golf course right in your own backyard.

Gather doormats, dustpans, paper cups, lightweight balls and mini clubs. Make your own flag markers and label each hole.

• Gardening is the world's best-kept exercise secret. Reap the benefits off this fabulous gym outside your door together – as a family.

Turning compost is essentially lifting weights. Raking is like using a rowing machine. Pushing the mower is similar to walking on a treadmill.

(Kavita is a nutritionist, weight management consultant and health writer based in Delhi. She is the author of Don't Diet! 50 Habits of Thin People (Jaico) and Ultimate Grandmother Hacks: 50 Kickass Traditional Habits for a Fitter You (Rupa))