Building a consistent exercise plan may be one of your biggest challenges if you’re managing your weight. Perhaps you have a busy schedule that leaves little room for activity. Maybe you struggle to get motivated in the mornings or after a long day at work. If you have a family, your concerns might involve them too. How can you all stay active and work toward better health?
Fortunately, getting active with your family can make exercise a habit that each of you practice. Physical activity as a family affair may even make your workouts easier and more enjoyable. Check-out the tips below for bringing your family together to get active, fit and healthy.
Make Exercise a Family Habit
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 have a chance to bond 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 dance in your home or take some classes! Many community centers offer classes that are fun for everyone. You can 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. You can use your own pool, a community pool or go to a lake or beach. Everyone can benefit from this low-impact activity. For a variety of swimming exercises, consider doing laps, water aerobics or creative relay races! Make a splash while you have fun too.
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. 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/running can do wonders. Do this in your own neighborhood, at a park or even through a structured race. You can listen to music through headphones or spend this time catching up, but either way, you’ll be moving and getting active!
Do you have any tips for making exercise a family affair? Share them in the comments below!
