We know exercise is important to our overall well-being but finding the time can just be so difficult. This is especially true is you have a family to look after as well.
Getting fit and healthy can then become a challenge. So, what is the best way to squeeze in some physical activity while still caring for your family?
Easy – introduce regular active family time.
There are a range of benefits of exercising with your kids. Not only will you receive the benefits of getting fitter and healthier, but also teach your children long-lasting skills in maintaining their own health.
It also acts as a way for the entire family to spend more time together, perfect in a mom and dad’s busy lifestyle.
Here are some good ways to start getting fit together as a family. Not only can they provide great sources of physical exercise, they can be a lot of fun as well.
Play Time Outside
No matter where you live, there are always options to go play outside as a family. If you don’t have a big backyard, go to your local park. If you don’t have any suitable parks nearby, plan a trip to a field, a forest, or even the beach if that’s a possibility.
Keep everyone engaged by bringing a ball or a frisbee. Get everyone involved in a game, such as Tag or Dodgeball. You can even make up your own games that suit your kids and their ages!
If you are lucky enough to playground equipment near you, make sure to join in when you can. Chasing your children up and around play equipment helps you and them burn off excess energy.
You can also look at purchasing your own outdoor toys. This can range from smaller items like a kid’s wagon (great at giving you exercise pushing them around), to larger items like climbing frames or water slides.
And while at the time it may not seem like it, this kind of play time is actually exercise. So, go have fun with your kids and get healthier together.
Go Volunteering
Combine physical exercise with helping the community by volunteering as a family. There are a range of volunteer work options that will get you up and moving together.
These can include:
- Picking up litter and rubbish
- Planting trees
- Helping the elderly with physical chores
- Volunteering for animal career organizations
Not only will you feel good physically, but you’ll good helping the environment or community.
Taking Classes
By taking some time to search around you can find large range of classes that suit both parents and their children. Not only are these great for spending active time together, but you everyone can get a good workout in the process.
Better yet, create specific goals to work through in these classes. This provides another way of keeping your family on track and helps make fitness a priority that they enjoy being part of.
Some classes you may want to look at as a family include:
- Bike Riding
- Dancing
- Martial Arts
- Yoga
