Fitness for the Family

Today's typical family is very busy, and often it's the family's fitness level that pays the price. In between school, work and meal planning, parents and children must still find time to stay in shape. Families shouldn't have to struggle to stay healthy and spend quality time together. Instead, why not integrate physical fitness with your fun family bonding time?

Fitness for the family doesn't need to involve fancy workout equipment or gym memberships. The entire family can benefit from a variety of diverse activities. Try going on walks, playing kick ball, going on hikes or playing in family softball leagues. You don't have to do the same activity each time, but it's great if you can plan ahead.

Keep in mind that you will want to tailor your activities to the abilities of the participants. For example, a 5-year-old shouldn't be weight lifting, and a 16-year-old probably doesn't want to play tag. Keep your activities fun, and light. If you can, try to reserve at least two of your three days for cardiovascular activities. You can all benefit from stretching or yoga before (or after) each session. You don't need to do an intensive routine each time, something as simple as tossing a football for 30 minutes can be a great little workout. Jump rope games can make a quick cardio routine fun, and hopscotch can be ramped up to a speed game to get the blood going. A long family walk is another great way to get a light workout while spending time together.

With younger children, you can keep it interesting by playing "I Spy" along the route. As the kids get older, more competitive endeavors can be introduced. Consider working up to jogging, and even running together. Bicycling is a wonderful family hobby that can lay the groundwork for future competitive riding or even long tours. Push-ups and sit-ups can be fun if you are competing against each other, and basketball is great for coordination as well as learning sportsmanship.

Establishing a family fitness routine will help your children understand the importance of both family togetherness and maintaining good health. Your options are only limited by your imagination.