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Family time is precious and sought after. Between work, social engagements, school, homework, and the kids' many extracurricular activities, the days can feel hectic. The frenetic activity of each day is challenging when it comes to focused family time and the desire to achieve fitness goals. Is it possible to find a healthy balance? Try to combine family time with fitness fun. Family Fitness Day is celebrated nationwide in September. Here are some creative ways to combine family time with physical activity.
Make it a priority.There are many priorities in life - physical activity should be one of them. When you make fitness a priority, your children are more likely to do the same. Take 30 minutes several days a week to make fitness fun. Take a walk after dinner or play soccer in the park on Saturday afternoon. Take turns choosing activity days and coming up with ideas about what to do.
Play.A child's natural language is play. If you have younger children who are not ready for organized sports or other activities that require more advanced motor skills, play actively. Take a trip to the park, go swimming, plant a garden, play tag, or chase your toddler around the yard (or the house if the weather is inclement).
Make gardening a game.Not every task has to be exactly that – a task. Turn a mundane job into a game of “who can complete their task first.” Fall is the perfect time to rake leaves (and jump into the pile), mow the lawn, and prune the landscape. The same strategy can be applied to winter tasks like shoveling the sidewalk or driveway. Encourage children to build a snow tunnel or fort.
Go on a scavenger hunt.This is ideal for older children. Create a neighborhood scavenger hunt. Make a list of items you want to find or collect, pair them and see who can collect all the items the fastest. Do you have a small family? Invite some friends to join in the fun.
Take a nature discovery walk.With all the technology in our lives, many of us spend almost not enough time outside. Going on a nature walk with your family is a great way to get some fresh air, explore your surroundings, and learn something new. Invest in a book about the local trees, flowers or birds in your area and take a walk along a path or hiking trail to see what you can discover.
Plan a weekly game or sports night.This is great if your kids enjoy organized activities. Plan an evening dedicated to a family-friendly game of volleyball, soccer, or other game of choice. Take turns as a family and decide which game or sport to play each week.
Train together for an event.Training for an upcoming event like a 5K or bike race is a fantastic way to get fit and motivate your family members.
Dance.Who doesn't love music? And what could be better than turning to music? Have a family dance party. You can introduce your children to some of your favorite songs and they can do the same for you.
Regardless of how you choose to pursue family-focused fitness, there are two goals. Firstly, to spend quality time together as a family. Secondly, to teach your family that fitness does not have to be viewed as a chore, but rather as a path to a healthy lifestyle that can be traveled together.
Are you interested in helping individuals and families maintain a healthy, active lifestyle? Start your career as an ACE certified personal trainer!