Is your family less active than they should be? Are you trying to be a good example but the family is just not following your lead? Keeping your family fit can be difficult. Here are some great tips on how to keep your family healthy and fit.
#1 Make it mandatory – Getting the family out and active isn’t a choice. If you give children the option to come on a hike or stay inside and play on their computer, you know what they’ll choose. Instead, make it mandatory. Consider including the family outing with other errands. For example, go for a family hike and then go to the grocery store or out to lunch.
#2 Make it a family activity – Children are much more likely to engage in fitness activities if everyone else in the family is doing it. Create regular family outings and get the kids involved. For example, ride your bikes or walk to school together. Go for an evening walk as a family. On the weekends, engage in larger activities. For example, go on hikes. In the wintertime you can go skiing, sledding or snowshoeing. During the summertime you can head to the pool as a family or go for a bike ride.
#3 Continue to model good fitness behavior – Always remember that children pay attention to what you do and your habits. When you are active they’ll be more likely to adopt an active lifestyle. When you head out to exercise, remember to keep your language positive. If your children think you view exercise as a chore, they will too.
#4 Limit screen time – If your television, computer and gaming systems are turned off, your children will likely be at a loss for what to do. They’ll be more likely to head outside or to engage in active play. Consider giving them a screen time allowance. They’re allowed 1 hour a day, 6 hours a week – whatever seems realistic for your family. That way when they use their allowance up, they’re done. No more screen time!
#5 Make it fun – Remember to find activities that your children enjoy. If you love hiking and your children really dislike it, then hiking is going to become a chore. If they love playing Frisbee golf or scrambling around on the local playground, then make time for those activities. When you pay attention to the likes and dislikes of everyone, then your whole family feels recognized. They’ll have a much more positive attitude about exercise.
Getting active as a family is about changing your current habits. Look for ways that you can get your family off the couch and moving. Walk or ride bikes to school and around the neighborhood. Take the family to the park. Engage in activities that everyone loves and have fun!
Great advice. Do more activities as a family
I love that you suggested making exercise a family effort. The kids went with me on a walk last week and they enjoyed it. I plan on doing it more often.
I just cut my son down this week! His screen time is limited since Xmas break when he was on it more https://www.parentinghealthy.com/
These are great tips for keeping your family fit indeed. It is so awesome to go on family walks each night after dinner. Family fun day is a great to keep everyone active too. Thanks for sharing.
Yea these days our society has become so sedentary that we need to be conscious of getting out there more for exercise. I got myself enjoyable 10 minute videos so I would procrastinate less.
Thanks for the tips. I am always looking for ways to get some exercise in. These will definitely come in handy.
Great tips! Will start inspiring everyone in the house now.