Tip #9: Make It A Family Affair

Exercise does not have to be a chore. It can be a fun-filled adventure for the whole family, as well. Hiking, walking, and bicycling are just a few ways to incorporate the whole family into exercise. Getting outside and into nature is not only fun and inspiring, but can also be a learning experience for your kids, and way for you to connect and spend time together as a family.

And if you're stuck indoors, Zumba and gaming system exercises can also be great ways to incorporate exercise into your family and your lifestyle.

Setting aside time to exercise is more and more important as we age, as our normal activity level tends to decline. A 2003 survey found that 71.3% of children between the ages of 10 and 17 participated in moderate to vigorous physical activity at least three days a week (http://mchb.hrsa.gov/overweight/portrait/2children.htm), but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2011 American Time Use Survey, the average American aged 15 or older spends just 18 minutes per day participating in sports, exercise and recreation. (http://www.bls.gov/tus/charts/leisure.htm)

Spending time together exercising as a family is one of the best ways to teach your children about the importance of getting regular exercise, and it's a great way to set healthy habits which will last them -and you - a lifetime.