Getting fit by playing games has taken off big time in the US, with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Cindy Crawford taking part. The main aim is to laugh and have fun, whilst also getting a great cardiovascular workout. Jennifer Lopez's personal trainer sets a programme that starts with a game of chase, followed by games like football, finishing with climbing rope and playing team games.

So if you fancy getting together with a few friends or children for a fun workout, here's our guide to the best games around!

Tag or Chase
Playing tag is a great cardiovascular workout, using lungs and heart as well a toning thighs. It works well as interval training as you will have moments of sprinting and moments of standing. Jennifer Lopez apparently does it in a bouncy castle to maximise the cardio impact! But you can get the same effect on sand in the summer months at your local beach.

Leap Frog
A great workout for your legs, abs and buttocks. If you are doing the bending, bend forward from your waist, put your hands on your thighs to take the strain off your back and keep your knees slightly bent. If you are jumping, run at the person, place your hands firmly on their back, and pushing your weight through your arms, spread your legs wide and jump over their back. Even the person doing the bending gets a workout as they are having to squat, taking the strain on their leg muscles.

Frisbee
If you and your partner are not particularly good at throwing, you'll end up running around to catch the Frisbee as well as stretching to catch it. This makes for a good cardio workout as well toning for the legs, buttocks and upper body. If you want to add even more exercise to the session, you can build in forfeits for missing the Frisbee like 5 press ups, catching it next time with one arm behind you.

Hopscotch
If you cannot remember, this was the game where you chalked out 1 to 10 on the pavement slabs, and jumped on squares, missing out the square you threw a stone onto. It is great for toning thighs. As you have to throw a stone and bend to pick it up as you pass it, you can also maximise your upper body workout by throwing something heavier than a stone e.g. a sand bag.

Climbing
Climbing can be done on a climbing frame at a gym, or if you are brave you can climb trees! Remember to use your legs to push yourself up as well as pulling with your arms, and you get a whole body workout. Also remember safety first - take care if you haven't climbed for some time - using safety equipment of necessary.

Hula-Hoop
Great for toning your waist. Some experts say you can lose up to 2 inches off your waist in a month by using a hula-hoop every day for just 10 minutes. Hold the hoop round your waist, hold your arms up and spin the hoop round your waist, gyrating your hips in a circular motion to keep the hoop up.

Twister
Great fun at a party with friends. The twister game makes you contort into strange shapes, so is great for flexibility and toning upper and lower body. Just be careful you don't fall and injure yourself!