Keeping Your Kids Active Once They are Back in School

As fall sets in, the kids are back in school and our attention seems to turn to the sports the new season brings. This seems like the perfect time of year to start to get your kids busy with athletic endeavors (without it infringing on the quality of their school work, of course). We’ve made a list of five popular sports your kids can participate in this fall, and the benefits that they will have on them mentally, physically, and even socially.

1.  FOOTBALL

The old adage claims that baseball is America’s past time. That is, until fall football starts. Then everyone’s attention turns to those Friday night lights at football fields across the country. We are inspired by home town heroes who, despite all odds, bring home a victory for their team and community.

This American classic tends to awaken a sense of nostalgia in all of us and can really be seen as a great equalizer. Football is a sport that has a place for everyone. From positions as a lineman which require a great amount of strength and—let’s be honest—girth, to the agility and versatility that are required for positions like quarterback, running back, and special teams. There couldn’t be a more all-inclusive sport.

Don’t be afraid to let the girls play either. More and more common throughout the sport, the agility that young girls show can be put to great use in tactical positions. And talk about a legend in the making. How would it be to have your daughter as the first female to play on a professional level!

2. SOCCER

With a need for speed and constant motion, the minimal requirements for soccer really come down to having a lot of energy. What kid isn’t just bubbling over with excessive amounts of energy? Soccer continues to be one of the fastest growing youth sports in the nation, and the state of Utah is no exception. With new Real Salt Lake Academies popping up all over, kids can make soccer a sport that they pursue for their entire lives.

Important quick-thinking skills are developed, along with large amounts of speed, power, endurance, and durability. You read that right—durability. We know that football can be a rough sport, but soccer can cause great harm to kids, so a high pain tolerance will go a long way. Imagine what it would be like to run into another kid at full throttle without any pads. That’s got to hurt!

3. GOLF

The sport of businessmen and casual weekend mornings is thought to be one of the most tactful sports out there. Requiring a high level of hand-eye coordination to determine direction; strength to hit a ball long distances; finesse to accurately direct it; as well as a gift for impeccable timing, golf is not a sport for the faint of heart.

There is a lot of concentration required when it comes to playing golf. Golfers develop a great amount of patience as they learn to assess certain situations and consider the possible outcomes of tactical strategies. This is not a one-size-fits-all sport, but one that is tailored over time as a golfer develops and hones their skills.

4. TENNIS

Often referred to as the sport of kings, tennis has enjoyed many centuries of popularity among elite classes throughout history. Now, like every sport there have emerged stars rising from humble beginnings to take on this regal sport.

Tennis requires a great amount of coordination, flexibility, and strength to hit the ball at high velocities. The techniques used in tennis allow the player to learn to move in ways that they don’t necessarily move in other sports. And the focus on individual improvement is crucial to be successful.

5. CHEERLEADING

Certainly not for the cowardly, cheerleading is becoming a very popular form of physical activity for many kids. Involving a combination of dance and gymnastics elements, this sport also requires the participants to develop excellent memory and critical thinking skills. Although, for most cheerleaders it is a matter of following a routine, it also demands a great attention to detail and uniformity. And no, we don’t mean the uniforms they wear, but the ability to perform a move or skill in rhythm with the others around you.

Not to be overlooked in cheerleading is also the physical strength and stamina it requires. Routines can be taxing on the body and require a great deal of physical conditioning. Plus, an added measure of peppy enthusiasm will go a long way as well (but we just assumed that was implied).

A few of these sports easily carry over into spring and summer seasons, and offer a wide variety of camps and clinics throughout the year that young participants can engage in to develop their skills. And as a car dealer, we encourage you as parents to have the perfect vehicle to help cart your budding athletes to all the practices, games, matches, performances, and more. Be sure to stop by Larry H. Miller Chevrolet in Murray to ensure your children arrive to practice both in style and with the space for all their equipment. Check out our online inventory and schedule a test drive to get both you and your kids on the path to success on the field.

2018 Chevy Traverse: Not So Itty Bitty with Amenities to Spare

When it comes to picking out a new SUV, it’s a tough call when it comes to which is more important: space or efficiency. With busy schedules that revolve around work and family, it is important to have a vehicle that you can depend on to have the room you need for people and all the things that they come with. It is just as important to have a vehicle that won’t break the bank every time you pull up to the gas pump.

At Larry H. Miller Chevrolet of Murray, we think we have something that provides the best of both worlds, and it has come a few months early—the all-new 2018 Chevy Traverse. This midsize crossover SUV can provide you with many of the features you would expect from a full-size SUV with the capabilities you like in a midsize.

Oodles of Space for People and Stuff—If you’re looking for a vehicle that will move people, the Chevy Traverse is equipped to do just that. More and more we are seeing these third rows popping up in SUVs of this size. The Chevy Traverse provides a third row that even adults don’t mind sitting in. With more leg room, the place in the back is no longer the most dreaded spot. Plus, with the added features that makes it easy to get back there, it’s no longer a gymnastics routine to get in or out. 

For the weekend fixer-uppers, adventure seekers, or kids’ sports chauffeurs, when you are looking for a new SUV your first inclination is to look at how much space will be available to you and all the things you are planning to load and unload into the back of the vehicle.

With the third row of seats, many would scoff at the claim that there is ample space for stuff and people. But with that row in use you have a generous 23 cubic feet of space to back in cleats, balls, pads, sticks, groceries, and even pink tutus if needed.

Not planning on using the third row? Then your available space more than doubles to an abundant 58.1 cubic feet. That’s enough space to pack up for a weekend away, plus a little room for the dog and a friend or two. Did we mention the comfortable captain’s chairs in the second row? With these you’ll be the designated driver for any road trip.

Not planning on going anywhere any time soon because your list of at-home projects seems to be as long as autumn this year? Don’t worry, the Chevy Traverse can handle any weekend do-it-yourselfer and their weekly Home Depot binges. With the second-row seats folded down out of the way you have an available 98.5 cubic feet of storage. So yes, that sideboard that you saw at the shop earlier this week, it will fit perfectly in the back.

Technology Amenities—With so much space for people and stuff, plus the added comfort of the second and third row, it’s hard to believe there are more features that make driving the Traverse a pleasure. More and more vehicles are coming standard with various driver assist systems. From blind spot detection to a great back up camera, this crossover assists you on every front.

One thing that always becomes an issue with a new vehicle like the Traverse are the willing drivers who want to take a turn at the wheel, particularly of the teenage variety. Chevy has got your bases covered with the standard teen driver feature.

This relatively new feature made available in many new Chevy models not only activates the various safety and driver assist features available, but it also tracks the driving habits of your teenager. It will produce a kind of report card that will provide you with an idea of where your teen—or spouse—could use some improvement in their driving.

In any compact SUV, you would never think to find so much space and great added features. The Traverse has these and so much more. At Larry H. Miller Chevrolet Murray, we are anxious to show you all these, and help you get one to park in your driveway. Come down now to see what great deals we have available, and get the perfect SUV for any lifestyle.  

10 Necessities For You to Cruise in Style

Since we’re offering a complimentary cruise when you buy a 2017 Chevy Cruze this month, we thought we’d help you with your packing list by sharing 10 things we know you will need to make your cruise totally worth it.

1. Bathing Suits

It might seem a little excessive to take multiple bathing suits with you, but, let’s be honest, you’ll most likely wear a bathing suit every day. It’s always good to have a couple of options so you aren’t wearing the same sopping suit every day. Include appropriate cover-ups, hats, and sunglasses.

*NOTE: Most cruise lines also include a formal dinner on board so you will want to plan to take something nice to wear with you. Don’t forget to leave room for your dancing shoes!

2. Sunscreen and Bug Spray

Sunscreen is probably obvious, but make sure you take plenty of it with you. Don’t forget to also pack your bug spray. You night not think about it at first, but if you’re planning on getting off the boat anywhere tropical, you will surely come in contact with some of the local mosquitoes or other pesky insects.

3. Passport

If you’re planning a cruise, you better get your passport in order. It takes between four to six weeks to get your passport once you’ve submitted all your information. If you’re really in a hurry, you can choose to have the process expedited. However, this still takes between two and three weeks and requires you to pay an extra fee. You can learn about the complete process here.

4. Cash

For your own security, you might want to keep your credit cards locked away and just pay in cash. Never carry all your cash with you at once in case of pickpocketers. Keep a reserve stored securely in the safe in your cabin.  

5. Comfy Walking Shoes

You’re not going to want to stay on the ship when you port along your route. So, you’re going to need something better than just a pair of flip-flops when wandering the streets of your destination ports. Many of the streets will be uneven cobblestones which can be hard on your feet and back if you don’t have shoes that are good for walking. Teva and Chaco brand sandals are more and more popular, especially for cruising. They are also great for hiking.

6. Camera

Sometimes the best memories you will have are the ones that you will capture while you are enjoying your trip. Be sure you have a camera that will capture every moment. Many phones these days rival some of the best cameras, but we suggest using an alternative so you’re not always on your phone. You might even consider a GoPro®.

7. Power Strip

Think about all the things you will take with you. How many of those things will need to be charged? A phone, a camera, a tablet, laptop, digital reader, among other things—and that’s just for you. And how many outlets are usually found in your cabin? One, maybe two? Save some room for a power strip. This will triple—even quadruple—your ability to charge all your electronic accessories. Trust us. This is probably the best suggestion on this list.

8. Books and/or Magazines

You don’t want to be on your phone the entire time you’re enjoying the beauty of tropical paradise. Consider leaving your phone locked up in your cabin as much as possible. Make this the opportunity to finally read that book that you bought because it was number one on the New York Times Best Seller List. Dig out your old iPod and fill it with a couple of playlists that you can enjoy. Not a big novel reader? That’s okay! Stock up on your favorite magazines and get caught up on your pop culture while you tan on the deck.

9. Motion Sickness Remedy

There are a lot of different products on the market for combating motion sickness. Whether it’s pills or wrist bands you prefer, make sure you have them with you.

10. Travel Buddy

No trip is nearly as fun without someone to take it with. Make those memories count by bringing along the ones you love the most.

When you get home, you will be able to cruise every day in your own Cruze! Take advantage of this deal before it’s gone. Check out our website for more information or stop in for a test drive at Larry H. Miller Chevrolet Murray. We’d love to put you behind the wheel of a new car and set you up for the vacation of a lifetime!