These workout ideas are great for families with little kids - the kids will have a ton of fun crawling, running, jumping, and balancing, while you get a great workout!
It doesn't need to take long - just a few simple exercises will have you burning when you add the weight of the kids to the equation, as shown in this video. This mom and dad do a great job of showing how fun it can be to get fit while enjoying your kids!
It's also a great way to set a good example for your kids by teaching them that exercise can be fun and enjoyable.
If you're a busy parent with small children, you will definitely want to check this one out!
Showing posts with label fun family exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fun family exercise. Show all posts
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
How to Achieve Physical Fitness for the Whole Family
When your entire family is working together towards a common goal, no matter what it is, your chance of success improves dramatically. The old joke asks, "How do you eat an elephant?" The answer is, "One bite at a time." When your family is also focused on helping you eat the elephant, a seemingly impossible task gets accomplished in a much shorter time.
While eating an elephant is certainly an unenviable and impossible sounding chore, it is often times just as difficult for a family in today's society to remain active, stay fit and keep healthy. Processed and fast foods are everywhere, teens and adults are more sedentary than at any other time in humankind's history, and mobile Internet technology has everyone's face stuck in a smartphone or PC display.
That is why it is more important than ever to take certain proven steps towards becoming a more physically fit family. And actually, in many ways, the family dynamic can make physical fitness and better health easier to achieve as a team than it is on the individual level. Children are already conditioned to receiving direction from their parents, and parents are consistently and consciously striving to set the best example. This creates some easy-to-follow steps towards family physical fitness which will increase your overall chance of success.
Assign a Coach
All teams need a coach or manager who leads the actions of the group. Someone in your family needs to direct the physical fitness activities of your "team". This works most effectively when it is mom or dad, and remember that the coach should set realistic but challenging goals. The family fitness coach should hand out schedules, provide input and motivation, and then follow-up on performances.
Schedule Family Fitness Outings
The different ages and fitness levels of your family members will dictate that not everyone can lift the same weight, run the same distance or swim the same length. However, team activities like hiking are excellent for overall body health, hiking is doable by everyone, and it also allows the family to bond. Schedule family fitness outings which get you and your children away from computers and fast food, and you will find your family growing closer together while also becoming more physically fit.
Incorporate Nutrition As Well As Exercise
It is well known that exercise and nutrition form the two most important components for physical fitness and health. Exercise is great, and as little as 30 minutes per day can deliver a significant health benefit. But correct diet and nutrition is important as well, meaning more fruits and vegetables, less fried and fast foods, more preparing your own meals and enjoying them as a family, and less artificial drinks and sodas.
Hold An Accountability & Rewards Night
To help achieve your family's physical fitness goals, schedule one night a week where all members of the family enjoy a "rewards meal", openly discuss their successes and failures of the previous week, and motivate each other for the week to come.
Especially with the children in a family, hard work delivering an enjoyable reward like pizza night and positive affirmations from other family members will go a long way to guaranteeing compliance in future fitness activities.
These are just a few of the simple and inexpensive ways even the busiest family can create a physical fitness attitude that is looked upon positively by all family members.
Try to schedule exercising and workouts at the same time and on the same days whenever you can, to instill a sense of order and repetition. Always reward yourself, your spouse and your children with positive input when it is earned, remember that everyone falls and stumbles from time to time, and the chance of success for your family's physical fitness plan will improve dramatically.
While eating an elephant is certainly an unenviable and impossible sounding chore, it is often times just as difficult for a family in today's society to remain active, stay fit and keep healthy. Processed and fast foods are everywhere, teens and adults are more sedentary than at any other time in humankind's history, and mobile Internet technology has everyone's face stuck in a smartphone or PC display.
That is why it is more important than ever to take certain proven steps towards becoming a more physically fit family. And actually, in many ways, the family dynamic can make physical fitness and better health easier to achieve as a team than it is on the individual level. Children are already conditioned to receiving direction from their parents, and parents are consistently and consciously striving to set the best example. This creates some easy-to-follow steps towards family physical fitness which will increase your overall chance of success.
Assign a Coach
All teams need a coach or manager who leads the actions of the group. Someone in your family needs to direct the physical fitness activities of your "team". This works most effectively when it is mom or dad, and remember that the coach should set realistic but challenging goals. The family fitness coach should hand out schedules, provide input and motivation, and then follow-up on performances.
Schedule Family Fitness Outings
 |
| (Image courtesy of nenetus at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.) |
Incorporate Nutrition As Well As Exercise
It is well known that exercise and nutrition form the two most important components for physical fitness and health. Exercise is great, and as little as 30 minutes per day can deliver a significant health benefit. But correct diet and nutrition is important as well, meaning more fruits and vegetables, less fried and fast foods, more preparing your own meals and enjoying them as a family, and less artificial drinks and sodas.
Hold An Accountability & Rewards Night
To help achieve your family's physical fitness goals, schedule one night a week where all members of the family enjoy a "rewards meal", openly discuss their successes and failures of the previous week, and motivate each other for the week to come.
Especially with the children in a family, hard work delivering an enjoyable reward like pizza night and positive affirmations from other family members will go a long way to guaranteeing compliance in future fitness activities.
These are just a few of the simple and inexpensive ways even the busiest family can create a physical fitness attitude that is looked upon positively by all family members.
Try to schedule exercising and workouts at the same time and on the same days whenever you can, to instill a sense of order and repetition. Always reward yourself, your spouse and your children with positive input when it is earned, remember that everyone falls and stumbles from time to time, and the chance of success for your family's physical fitness plan will improve dramatically.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Video - Fun Family Exercise Idea with Toddlers
This week we don't have an actual workout for you, but this video was so cute I just had to share! Working out when you have your hands full with little kids isn't always easy, but if you just use your imagination and involve them in the activity as much as they would like to be, you'll find that not only are they having fun with exercise, but you're having more fun as well!
As you can see by the example in this video, exercise for kids isn't WORK - it's PLAY! They will jump right in and try to do whatever you do, and in doing so, they'll bring the fun and enjoyment back to your exercise routine as well. Don't worry about exactly what you're going to do - just get outside like this family did, and try a few fun moves, yoga poses, jumping jacks or jump rope, or just run around in circles together! Toddlers and kids under 5 will be completely happy just doing this for a little while, and you'll get a good workout in too, even though it might not be as structured as a regular gym routine.
Make your exercise into play, and it won't feel like so much of a "workout" anymore!
Fun Family Exercise Routines
http://www.yourkickinthepants.com Teaching my kids healthy living. Working out and having fun with the kids. Motivating moms and women to exercise and fitness.
As you can see by the example in this video, exercise for kids isn't WORK - it's PLAY! They will jump right in and try to do whatever you do, and in doing so, they'll bring the fun and enjoyment back to your exercise routine as well. Don't worry about exactly what you're going to do - just get outside like this family did, and try a few fun moves, yoga poses, jumping jacks or jump rope, or just run around in circles together! Toddlers and kids under 5 will be completely happy just doing this for a little while, and you'll get a good workout in too, even though it might not be as structured as a regular gym routine.
Make your exercise into play, and it won't feel like so much of a "workout" anymore!
Fun Family Exercise Routines
http://www.yourkickinthepants.com Teaching my kids healthy living. Working out and having fun with the kids. Motivating moms and women to exercise and fitness.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
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.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Fun Summer Workouts for the Whole Family
These days, after what seemed an endless winter, it finally feels like summer! Summertime is all about feeling the sun on your face and getting some fresh air. But, many people stay inside and miss out on what nature has to offer. Here are some fun ways that you and the family can get out there and get healthy.
Even better than enjoying a summer day is enjoying it with someone else. As parents we try to send the kids outside but may not go out ourselves. But the sun is good for everyone and you can have even more fun outdoors.
Getting Outdoors
Create a family activity day at least once a week. This is the time when all of the family spends time together sharing a fun activity outdoors. The name of the game is injecting some physical activity into your day.
Let everyone choose a fun activity that they like. Place them on a list. Each time you have an activity day, take one suggestion from the list. But, what activities can you do as a family that will be rewarding physically and mentally?
Here are some fun summer workouts to start with:
* Bicycling – If everyone doesn’t know how to ride a bike, this is the perfect time to learn. Bike riding builds up the leg muscles and also your cardiovascular fitness. You can ride and talk about your day. Go to the park and have a leisurely ride, enjoying the summer breezes and blossoms along the way.
* Basketball – All you need for this is a hoop and a ball. Have a family pick-up game after dinner or after work. You can divide into teams and play for points. Even better, play games to see who has to do the most chores that week!
* Hiking – Explore your local area with your family. Even though you are having fun and exploring, you are burning tons of calories on a hike. And, you get to learn about nature. Combine it with a camping trip for a fun weekend getaway the kids will love.
* Swimming – You don’t even have to have your own pool. If there is a neighborhood pool or one at the gym, use it. Doing laps is an easy way to gain muscle tone all over your body while you have fun. Take a water aerobics class as a family. There is no shock to your joints so it benefits both young and old alike.
* Backyard games – One of the often neglected parts of the house is the back yard. Act like a kid again. Play kickball, volleyball, soccer, flag football and many other games that will make you sweat and give you great memories to hold on to.
There are lots of activities that the family can do this summer to gain fitness and have some fun. Start with those above and add to the list with your own fun ideas!
Even better than enjoying a summer day is enjoying it with someone else. As parents we try to send the kids outside but may not go out ourselves. But the sun is good for everyone and you can have even more fun outdoors.
Getting Outdoors
 |
| (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Let everyone choose a fun activity that they like. Place them on a list. Each time you have an activity day, take one suggestion from the list. But, what activities can you do as a family that will be rewarding physically and mentally?
Here are some fun summer workouts to start with:
* Bicycling – If everyone doesn’t know how to ride a bike, this is the perfect time to learn. Bike riding builds up the leg muscles and also your cardiovascular fitness. You can ride and talk about your day. Go to the park and have a leisurely ride, enjoying the summer breezes and blossoms along the way.
* Basketball – All you need for this is a hoop and a ball. Have a family pick-up game after dinner or after work. You can divide into teams and play for points. Even better, play games to see who has to do the most chores that week!
* Hiking – Explore your local area with your family. Even though you are having fun and exploring, you are burning tons of calories on a hike. And, you get to learn about nature. Combine it with a camping trip for a fun weekend getaway the kids will love.
* Swimming – You don’t even have to have your own pool. If there is a neighborhood pool or one at the gym, use it. Doing laps is an easy way to gain muscle tone all over your body while you have fun. Take a water aerobics class as a family. There is no shock to your joints so it benefits both young and old alike.
* Backyard games – One of the often neglected parts of the house is the back yard. Act like a kid again. Play kickball, volleyball, soccer, flag football and many other games that will make you sweat and give you great memories to hold on to.
There are lots of activities that the family can do this summer to gain fitness and have some fun. Start with those above and add to the list with your own fun ideas!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Sledding - An Extra-Fun Winter Exercise!
Winter doldrums got you down? Get some exercise! If you're feeling trapped indoors by the cold snowy weather, you may think you don't have many options for outdoor activities, but here's one that will get you moving - and laughing!
Image via WikipediaSledding is one of those winter sports that both children and adults can enjoy. There are so many ways you can go sledding that you can make do with just about anything. It can be an impromptu event that takes place after a snow storm has blown in. Sleds come in many different sizes so you can have one person on one or several at the same time. You can use a variety of different items as sleds - just get creative, and use your imagination!
Common household items that are often used for sledding include cardboard boxes, trash can lids, and even laundry baskets. Inner tubes are also a common item used for sledding. They are lightweight and round like a donut. You can sit on them or lay on them. You can travel to the hills around your home to enjoy sledding or even enjoy those that the snow plow makes as they remove the snow from the streets in some cases.
The biggest problem with this type of sledding is that you have no control over the speed or how you will stop. Therefore you don’t want to climb up too large of a hill as you will pick up momentum as you go down. You also want to investigate the landing area so you won’t be at risk of running into trees or other objects that can result in an accident.
Sledding is a winter sport that the entire family can enjoy. However, make sure you protect everyone from the cold with thick gloves and hats. You also want to wear boots with plenty of traction that are waterproof. This way your feet will stay dry and reduce the risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Make sure you all pay close attention to the warning signs of these problems so you can protect against them.
It is very important for children to be supervised while sledding. They may not be paying close enough attention to how cold they are getting. You also don’t want them getting lost in the snow. Sometimes injuries happen such as bumping heads with each other or cutting a lip. While they are usually minor, having a parent around to deal with such issues is important.
If you are planning to buy a sled, the best time to buy sledding equipment is in the fall when they put out the new merchandise. You may be disappointed with what is left over if you wait too long into the season to buy them. You also don’t want to have the first snow storm come along and you don’t have anything to go sledding with as it may be too dangerous to travel to the store at that time.
Image via WikipediaSledding is one of the least expensive winter sports which also makes it very popular. You don’t have to travel and you don’t have to invest a great deal of money for the equipment. Most people already have hats, gloves, and boots for the winter time anyway. Investing is a few good sleds isn’t going to cost you very much either. Instead of being cooped up indoors during the snow, get out there and enjoy it!
Most adults feel like a kid again when they go out sledding. It is a great way to relieve childhood memories and to get some great exercise during the colder time of the year when too many people simply don’t venture out for such activities. Take your time to try out different types of sleds too so you will find those that are a good fit for your size.
(For more fun ways to exercise, even in winter, visit www.newholisticliving.com/exercise.html.)
Image via WikipediaSledding is one of those winter sports that both children and adults can enjoy. There are so many ways you can go sledding that you can make do with just about anything. It can be an impromptu event that takes place after a snow storm has blown in. Sleds come in many different sizes so you can have one person on one or several at the same time. You can use a variety of different items as sleds - just get creative, and use your imagination!Common household items that are often used for sledding include cardboard boxes, trash can lids, and even laundry baskets. Inner tubes are also a common item used for sledding. They are lightweight and round like a donut. You can sit on them or lay on them. You can travel to the hills around your home to enjoy sledding or even enjoy those that the snow plow makes as they remove the snow from the streets in some cases.
The biggest problem with this type of sledding is that you have no control over the speed or how you will stop. Therefore you don’t want to climb up too large of a hill as you will pick up momentum as you go down. You also want to investigate the landing area so you won’t be at risk of running into trees or other objects that can result in an accident.
Sledding is a winter sport that the entire family can enjoy. However, make sure you protect everyone from the cold with thick gloves and hats. You also want to wear boots with plenty of traction that are waterproof. This way your feet will stay dry and reduce the risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Make sure you all pay close attention to the warning signs of these problems so you can protect against them.
It is very important for children to be supervised while sledding. They may not be paying close enough attention to how cold they are getting. You also don’t want them getting lost in the snow. Sometimes injuries happen such as bumping heads with each other or cutting a lip. While they are usually minor, having a parent around to deal with such issues is important.
If you are planning to buy a sled, the best time to buy sledding equipment is in the fall when they put out the new merchandise. You may be disappointed with what is left over if you wait too long into the season to buy them. You also don’t want to have the first snow storm come along and you don’t have anything to go sledding with as it may be too dangerous to travel to the store at that time.
Image via WikipediaSledding is one of the least expensive winter sports which also makes it very popular. You don’t have to travel and you don’t have to invest a great deal of money for the equipment. Most people already have hats, gloves, and boots for the winter time anyway. Investing is a few good sleds isn’t going to cost you very much either. Instead of being cooped up indoors during the snow, get out there and enjoy it!Most adults feel like a kid again when they go out sledding. It is a great way to relieve childhood memories and to get some great exercise during the colder time of the year when too many people simply don’t venture out for such activities. Take your time to try out different types of sleds too so you will find those that are a good fit for your size.
(For more fun ways to exercise, even in winter, visit www.newholisticliving.com/exercise.html.)
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