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Will these lockdowns ever end? That is the million-dollar question but the problem we think we do have some solutions to is how to keep your family entertained in a lockdown. Let’s face it, there’s going to be plenty of time for some good old family fun, so instead of reaching for a tablet computer, doom scrolling the latest feed on your social media perhaps you should consider going back to basics. A glass of wine and a slice of banana bread is optional.
A Pool Table
Pool competitions don’t need to be played in dingy pubs and student’s unions. In fact, bespoke pool tables can be beautiful pieces of furniture in their own right. Granted you’ll need a little space, but when we do (finally) come out of our enforced hibernation you’ll be hustling like Tom Cruise. Playing pool also improves your critical thinking and, remember, you play it standing up so you’re burning calories too.
Table Football
The main attraction of table football is the speed of the game. But what many people don’t realise is that the speed of the game is also really good exercise. Flicking your wrist to attack your opponent’s goal or defend your own burns calories also jumping from the front to the back of the table gives us that all-important exercise that is absent when we’re sitting down and playing a game on a screen. You don’t need to do those Joe Wicks style lunges and burpees to keep yourself fit whilst confined to quarters.
Air Hockey
Mastering Air Hockey requires skill, tenacity and patience. We think that Air Hockey is arguably one of the best arcade-style games that have ever been created. Why? Because you need to be fast and aggressive but also have a killer defensive strategy all at the same time. We’re not talking “The Queen’s Gambit” level of defensive skill here but it does require a little more thinking about than simply pushing the puck into your opponent’s goal.
Table Tennis
Given the current restrictions (and the weather) our scope for outdoor games looks like it will be restricted for some time. But did you know that a beginner playing table tennis can burn up to 200 – 350 calories per hour? Other benefits include improving your hand-eye coordination, improving your reflexes, improving your balance and keeping your brain sharp.
Make yourself a ‘family cave’
It looks like we’re all going to be stuck indoors for quite some time so, if you have the luxury of space, why not consider converting a spare room into a family ‘den’? This could include some basic gym equipment like a kettlebell, dumbbells and an inflatable punch bag. Then you could also add some other fun equipment like table tennis or a table football table. They say a family that plays together, stays together and, in our experience, classic leisure games are far better for your health (and cause fewer arguments) than games like Monopoly.
