Our children have become more and more sedentary as we try to keep them safe from harm. We have told them they must always wear a helmet when they do any physical activity. We have told them they must wear a seatbelt when they are in a car. We have told them to stop and think about whether its OK for them to go out and play. We have told them not to go outside unless it’s light because it’s not safe. We have told them so many things over the years. But what is the solution?
Exercise is important for everyone, but it can be especially difficult to get kids motivated to be active. As a parent, you want to instill healthy habits in your kids that will last their entire life. But with busy schedules, it can be difficult to find the time to exercise as a family. Luckily, there are plenty of fun fitness activities that the whole family can enjoy together. In this blog post, we’ll share some of our favorite ideas for getting the whole family moving. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get moving!
The Benefits of Exercise for Kids
Regular physical activity is essential to the healthy growth and development of children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), kids who are physically active tend to have:
- better cardiorespiratory fitness
- stronger muscles and bones
- lower body fat percentage
- better control over their weight
- In addition, exercise has been shown to improve academic performance, reduce stress, and enhance mental well-being in children. For these reasons, it is important that parents make family fitness a priority.
The Benefits of Exercise for Parents
In addition to the benefits that come from helping their children be active, parents also reap rewards from being physically active themselves. Adults who are physically active tend to have:
- lower rates of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer
- stronger bones and muscles
- more energy
- better mental health and moods
- Fitting in regular exercise can be a challenge for busy parents, but it is worth making time for fitness as a family. Not only will everyone benefit from the health benefits of exercise, but families who workout together also tend to develop closer bonds.
Ideas for Getting the Whole Family Moving.
Fun Outdoor Activities
There are plenty of fun outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy together. One great option is to go for a hike in a nearby park or forest. Not only will this give everyone some much-needed fresh air and Vitamin D, but it’s also a great workout. If you have younger children, you can make the hike even more enjoyable by turning it into a scavenger hunt, looking for things like leaves, flowers, or different types of rocks along the way.
Another fun outdoor activity that gets everyone moving is playing frisbee or catch. This is a great way to get some cardio in while spending time together as a family. And, if you have a dog, they’ll probably love joining in on the fun too!
Indoor Activities
Just because it’s cold or raining outside doesn’t mean you can’t still get in a good workout as a family. There are plenty of great indoor activities that will get everyone moving and burning calories. One option is to set up an obstacle course using furniture and other household items. This can be done in any size home and is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. Another indoor activity that’s perfect for rainy days is Just Dance or another active video game that gets everyone up and moving around the living room.
Games and Sports
Playing games and sports together as a family is not only a great way to bond, but it’s also an excellent workout. There are so many different options when it comes to games and sports, so there’s sure to be something that everyone enjoys. If you have younger kids, try something like tag or hopscotch; if you have older kids or teens, consider playing basketball or soccer together. You could even start your own friendly competition by keeping track of who wins the most games over time!
Tips for Getting Started
Making Time for Fitness
It can be tough to find time to fit in family fitness, but it’s important to make the effort. One way to do this is to schedule family fitness time into your week. Set aside an hour or two each week specifically for physical activity. This will help ensure that everyone gets some exercise and it also allows you to spend quality time together as a family.
Another tip is to be creative with your fitness time. If you can’t make it to the gym or go for a walk outside, there are plenty of other ways to get active indoors. Try doing some yoga together, playing tag, or even just dancing around the living room. The important thing is that everyone is moving and having fun.
Creating a Motivating Environment
In order for family fitness to be successful, it’s important to create an environment that is conducive to being active. This means having a space in your home that is designated for physical activity and making sure there is plenty of equipment available. It’s also helpful to have a variety of activities on hand so that everyone can find something they enjoy doing. By making fitness accessible and fun, you’ll be more likely to get everyone in the family moving.
Finding Activities that Everyone Enjoys
The best way to get everyone involved in family fitness is to find activities that everyone enjoys doing. This might mean trying out different things until you find something that works for everyone. Some families enjoy going for walks together, while others prefer playing sports or doing yoga together. The key is to experiment until you find something that everyone can agree on and then stick with it.
Family fitness is important for many reasons. It can help improve the health of both kids and parents, and it can also be a fun way to bond as a family. There are plenty of activities that the whole family can enjoy, both indoors and outdoors. To get started, try to make time for fitness each day, create a motivating environment, and find activities that everyone enjoys. With a little effort, you can turn family fitness into a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
We hope you enjoyed our blog about how to get your kids moving – we are always excited when one of our posts is able to provide useful information on a topic like this!