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.

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

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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!

Fun Exercise Tip - Let Your Kids Be Your Exercise!

In this busy time of holiday shopping, cooking, entertaining guests, and all the rest of the crazy busy holiday bustle, we can tend to forget what's really important - our health, and our family and loved-ones. Here is a great article on how to incorporate both into your daily routine - even during this crazy week!

Image via WikipediaLetting your kids be your workout is not only fun, but it's FREE, and good for both body and soul - for your entire family. Help each other stay fit and healthy, while maintaining your good spirits and your relationships at the same time. Check it out, and feel free to share your own fun family exercise ideas as well!

Minimalist fitness: your kids are the gym | zen habits
Kid learn most of all from what they see others doing, especially their parents. You can tell them things all day long, but unless they see you doing it, you're not teaching them much. When we go to the gym, they don't see us working ...
Publish Date: 11/16/2010 11:37
http://zenhabits.net/minimalist-gym/

 

Related articles on Fun Family Exercise:

• 12 Days of Fitness--in Only 30 Minutes! (self.com)
• Exercise for Mom: How to Get Fit with Your Kids (brighthub.com)
• How to Turn Exercise Into Something You Love (dumblittleman.com)

Family Exercise for the Holidays

Image via WikipediaHappy Thanksgiving to all of our very dear readers!

In honor of the day, we are featuring a few quick articles on ways to enjoy the holidays while keeping your family active at the same time.

Making sure your family gets enough exercise throughout the holiday season is key to being able to get through these weeks with lower stress and good cheer, not to mention helping keep those holiday pounds at bay!  Check out these suggestions for keeping your family active throughout the holiday season, and above all, remember to enjoy yourselves and each other, and have fun!

3 Great Ways To Love Exercise Again,lose Weight And Improve Your ...
Next, try to exercise whenever you get the chance. Go on a walk with your siblings, or get up and jog in the morning. Do you have members who are young children? Play with them. Run out in the yard, toss them in the air and catch ...family
Publish Date: 11/21/2010 4:44
http://health.ezinemark.com/3-great-ways-to-love-exercise-again-lose-weight-and-improve-your-lifestyle-31b38d32530.html

Holiday Family Exercise
The holidays are upon on us which can mean more food, more family, and less time in the day to be active outside…and the kids are out of school. This adds an extra level of difficulty to the whole exercise idea. ...
Publish Date: 11/08/2010 22:13
http://empowerwellness.net/2010/11/08/holiday-family-exercise/

3 Fun Types of Family Exercise
Sports are the easiest way to combine fun and exercise. If your family has competitive spirits among the members, this is your chance to let it all hang out, while burning those extra calories in the process. It all depends on what sort ...
Publish Date: 11/04/2010 13:30
http://www.3fatchicks.com/3-fun-types-of-family-exercise/

Fun Family Exercise Ideas
There are many ways that families can spend fun time together and get fit at the same time with family activities. Here are some fun family exercise ideas: Walking – this is one of the best ways for families to spend quality time ...
Publish Date: 11/02/2010 3:37
http://www.geektheme.com/fun-family-exercise-ideas/