Many people on the weight management journey report that building a consistent exercise routine is one of their biggest challenges. For some, it’s a struggle just to work up the motivation to get out and get active. For others, it’s simply a matter of trying to find the time to exercise on a regular basis. If you have a family, your concerns may even involve them, too. How can you AND your family stay active and work toward better health?
Fortunately, getting active WITH your family is one of the best ways to make exercise a habit that can benefit everyone! By establishing physical activity as a family affair that everyone can get involved in, you may notice that exercise becomes easier – and more fun! Below, we offer you some tips for bringing your family together to get active, get fit and get healthy.
Tips for Making Exercise a Family Affair
- Take your bikes out for a ride – Biking is great exercise for the whole family. You’ll not only get an excellent dose of physical activity, but you’ll be able to bond while exercising, too! Biking is simple enough to be able to talk while you ride, which leaves you plenty of room to talk, laugh and spend time together.
- Dance together – Dancing is an excellent mood booster and cardio workout, and it doesn’t take up a lot of time. Bring your family together to simply dance in your own home or take some classes! Plenty of community centers offer classes that are fun for everyone, and you’ll release endorphins while you listen to music and spend time with your family – OR your friends.
- Jump in the water – Swimming for exercise is often overlooked, but it’s a fantastic total-body workout! Whether you use your own pool, a community pool or go to a lake or beach, everyone can benefit from from this low-impact workout. For a variety of swimming exercises, consider doing laps, water aerobics or creative relay races!
- Pick up a sport or fitness class – Try involving your family in something brand new! Pick up a group sport, such as kickball, bowling or tennis, or enroll in a fitness class such as kickboxing or CrossFit. If everyone is open to trying it, it’s a great way to build self confidence and encourage friendly competition.
- Move outdoors – Sometimes our televisions, video games and computers are our biggest distractions. Encourage your family to get outdoors, even for just a little bit! You can hike together, jump rope, play basketball, jump on the trampoline or create obstacle courses. This is an excellent strategy for everyone to get creative with their exercise!
- Power walk or run – Consistent walking or running can do wonders for the body! You can do this in your own neighborhood, at a park or even through a structured race such as distance running. You can listen to music through headphones or spend this time catching up, but either way, you’ll be moving and getting active!
Want More Information and Tips for Exercising With Your Family?
You can view the full article from Your Weight Matters Magazine by CLICKING HERE.
Do you have any tips for making exercise and physical activity a family affair? Share with others in the comments below!
