Regular exercise promotes a healthy weight and cuts the risk of many health problems, so getting up and getting going is vital for the health of your whole family. If dragging your family off the couch is difficult, choosing fun exercises might be just what you need to get everyone moving.
Indoor Exercises
Some Simple Ideas:
Set up stations in your basement or family room. One station might be sit ups, another push ups and another jumping jacks. Turn on the radio and have each family member go to one station and perform the exercise until the music stops, then have each person move on to the next station. Use music to inspire dancing, which is an enjoyable and easy way to exercise together. Have a dance contest while dinner cooks or when you’re having a lazy afternoon at home. Put on a dance show!
Outdoor Exercises
When the weather is nice, going outside is a simple way to get your family moving. Run relay races in the backyard or have a contest to see who can jump rope or maybe a match of football and tennis. Write down activities, such as walking like a bear or jumping like a kangaroo on slips of paper and put them into a jar. Your kids will be having so much fun, they won’t realize they’re exercising.
Park Activities
If you don’t have a backyard or it’s too small to move around in, head to the park instead. With all the space, you can play a family game of football for sure. Head to the basketball courts for a quick game. Throw a Frisbee back and forth or play a game of disc golf. Younger kids get plenty of exercise by climbing all over the playground. Take a nature walk together or ride your bikes on a trail. You’ll all be getting a work out while spending time together.
Creative Activities
Sticking to the same routine all the time isn’t likely to hold your family’s interest for long. Changing things up now and then and incorporating new and unique ways to exercise keeps it fresh and fun. Sign your family up for a charity run, even if you’ll end up walking the whole course. Plant and tend a garden together, which is an effective way to burn calories and work your muscles at the same time as well as enjoying eating them delicious strawberry’s they’ve just picked. Try out new hiking trails near your home or test out the waters at a variety of outdoor and indoor swimming pools.