Fitness can and should be fun for the family. Kids that engage in an hour of physical activity everyday learn healthy behaviors that follow them into adulthood.
Exercise as a family also can help bond families. Spending time together outdoors, playing sports or engaging in any physical activity draws parents and kids closer. Whether a walk provides an ideal opportunity to engage in meaningful talks or just makes for memorable moments, the time together remains priceless.
Parents reap dual benefits from exercising with their kids: they become fit and they spend quality time with their children.
Proclaiming ‘LET’S EXERCISE!,” though, likely won’t educe excited reactions from most kids. Parents need to be savvy motivators, they need to think of out-of-the-box activities and those activities must be a blast.
Looking for unique and engaging activities to get the family moving? Check out these 10 awesome activities to get fit and have fun together:
1. Go for a swim. Swimming is a great family activity that also provides a fun workout. Many aquatic centers offer lap pools; families can race each other to see who can make it to the end of the pool first. Or just have fun in the water; dive for quarters or other toys and make memories.
2. Yoga. For the family that likes to relax together, yoga helps rest the mind and moves the body. Of course, yoga also provides a great workout and increases flexibility. Kids also have fun with the unique poses.
3. Go for a jog. Jogging offers a nice introduction to full-fledged running. Be each other’s biggest fan and advocate, and also be sure to stop for walk breaks. Increase jogging time as endurance increases.
4. Mini Golf. While mini golf isn’t a heart-racing workout, players remain in motion walking from hole to hole. Mini golf also requires skill and coordination…not to mention, it’s a whole lot of fun watching family members try to aim a golf ball into a clown’s mouth.
5. Hiking. Probably one of the most ideal and fun activities for fall, hiking allows the family to exercise while enjoying nature. Research nature paths in the area and take time to explore. If the weather is warm, don’t forget the bug spray!
6. Jumping. Many cities offer trampoline rec centers where the family can bounce their hearts out. Jumping is fun, makes almost everyone smile and gets the blood—and heart—pumping. Do flips in the air, land in silly ways…just have fun!
7. Skating. Roller skating holds a special place in the hearts of gen-x parents who spent many hours of their youth partner skating to slow songs or doing the limbo. Lots of skating rinks still operate, and they are as much fun now as they were back then! Lace up the skates as a family, and crack the whip. Teach kids to stomp their skates as they learn to maneuver and then gradually work up to full-speed skating.
8. Think unique. Turn up the music and dance like nobody is watching. Get creative with fun items in the garage and set up an obstacle course in the backyard. Use hula hoops and have a hooping contest. Or grab jump ropes and teach kids how to Double Dutch.
9. Play tag. No adult is too old to play tag with their kids. Visit a local park or just start a game in the backyard. Running to tag each other offers a fun way to get moving. Be sure to set rules, though.
10. Paintball. Recommended for older kids, paint ball is a stealthy sport. Running, dodging paint bullets and hiding behind obstacles make this a unique workout. New paintball enthusiasts, beware: paintballs hurt badly if they hit an unprotected area of the body. Be sure to pad up!
The family that plays together makes memories for a lifetime. An hour of activity each day also sets the stage for good habits during adulthood and instills in the minds of kids that exercise is a priority. Sit down as a family and set activity goals; make each day a physical fitness adventure!
