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Family Fitness Month: Ways to Get the Whole Family Involved
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb.
Fitness goals are often easier achieved when it’s for one person. But getting everyone else involved? That’s a challenge on a whole other level.
Today’s lifestyle comes with all the modern conveniences: movies streamed on-demand, the latest video games, and other activities can make it hard to set time aside for physical fitness. .
But all this convenience comes at a price, and the kids are the ones footing the bill. Childhood obesity is on the rise, increasing from 19.3% to 22.4% in as little as 3 years (1).
While obesity is on the rise, exercise is on the decline. Sedentary lifestyles make it too easy, which is why it’s more important than ever to come together as a family to prioritizes
June is Family Fitness Month, and in this article we’re sharing some exciting ways you can get the whole family involved.
Lead the Way
As an adult, you’re a role model to the younger generations whether you realize it or not.
When it comes to fitness, letting your kids see you work out can inspire them to do the same (3). Collaborating on personal fitness and nutrition goals can help foster an appropriate view of health and wellness.
If you’re just starting out, share your struggles as well. Being honest with where you’re at can inspire courage and help shine a light for others. You’ll be seen as a leader, trusted and relatable (7).
Make it Fun
Perhaps the idea of running or lifting weights sounds boring. If that’s the case, think outside the box.
For example, instead of an indoor gym session, try taking the kids to a local playground. The climbing, swinging, and running around is great for encouraging imaginative play. It also helps work up a good sweat.
If your kids are older, why not take them to a nearby soccer field or basketball court. Learning the basics of some of these sports can be a fun way to bond with family and get your sweat on!
Not everyone is athletically inclined, and that’s ok. The point is to get out there, try something new, and have fun. In fact, studies show that embracing a spirit of playfulness can boost levels of eustress, a good kind of stress that helps you feel alive (4).
Bonus points if your fun brings out lots of laughter. Did you know laughing has been shown to lower feelings of pain and boost your immune system? It can also lower stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline (8).
Give Back Together
Raking leaves or shoveling snow for an elderly neighbor is a great way to get a workout in while giving back to your community.
And did you know that showing kindness can help boost feelings of happiness, confidence and self-esteem. It can also help lower stress and blood pressure, which is important in maintaining good health (2).
Go for Variety
They say variety is the spice of life. And when it comes to fitness, there’s no end to your exercise options.
Some of the most common options are cardio, weight lifting, and stretching. Tired of jogging? Consider swapping put for roller skates, jump rope, or bicycles.
Research shows that switching up your style of workout can help make it more enjoyable and sustainable (5). Variety can help maximize your results and minimize injury. It can also help prevent you from getting bored or plateauing.
Don’t Forget Nutrition
Moving your body is all well and good, but if you’re not fueling your body with the proper nutrients, you’ll have a hard time enjoying your workouts and maintaining good habits. Your muscles won’t have the resources they need and may start to break down.
And while all nutrients are important, remembering to bring along protein-rich snacks, electrolyte drinks, minerals like calcium, and healthy fats (6) for afterwards can help your body recover from exercise.
Wrap Up
Your health is one of your biggest assets in life. Don’t take it for granted.
Along with eating well, fitness is equally important to maintaining good health. There are lots of ways to go about it, from jogging to roller skating to lifting weights.
Families are the cornerstone of society, and encouraging family fitness is one of the health highlights of the month of June. Finding fun ways to get active can help make fitness a priority in your life, and in the life of others.
Are you struggling to find ways to get the whole family involved in areas of physical fitness? Now you have some ideas to try.
Let us know which activities you and your family enjoy the best!
References & Disclaimers
1. https://stateofchildhoodobesity.org/2021report/
2. https://www.dartmouth.edu/wellness/emotional/rakhealthfacts.pdf
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17024510/
4. https://jemi.edu.pl/vol-12-issue-1-2016/positive-stress-and-reflective-practice-among-entrepreneurs
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22395266/
7. https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/250641
8. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/advan.00030.2017
✝✝This noted statement is based on independent research and is not necessarily the opinion of the author
