If your kids are more interested in sitting in front of the computer or TV than getting outdoors to get some warm spring sunshine, it’s time to take a stand and get your entire family involved in fun physical activities. With nearly two-thirds of adults and one-third of children in the US classified as overweight or obese, the need for exercise and healthy eating habits is paramount in reducing your family’s risk of weight-related diseases. Here are three fun ways to get your family up and moving.
If your kids are more interested in sitting in front of the computer or TV than getting outdoors to get some warm spring sunshine, it’s time to take a stand and get your entire family involved in fun physical activities. With nearly two-thirds of adults and one-third of children in the US classified as overweight or obese, the need for exercise and healthy eating habits is paramount in reducing your family’s risk of weight-related diseases. Here are three fun ways to get your family up and moving.
3 Fun ways to exercise with your kids
1. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Scout out your backyard, nearby park, or local hiking trail to see what nature has to offer, then create a nature scavenger for your kids. Give them each a list of nature items to find then set them loose. Things to include on the list: ladybugs, an earthworm, a certain type or color of flower, or a bird’s nest, or if you’re beachside, include a conch shell, bird tracks, or starfish. This isn’t hard-core physical activity, but it is a fun way to move and the perfect opportunity to teach your children an appreciation for nature.
2. Family sports games
Instead of piling up on the couch before and after dinner to watch TV, rally your family to participate in a game of tag, kickball, basketball, or calisthenics competition. When the weather isn’t cooperating, have a family Wii fitness competition. You don’t even need to keep score initially, if you happen to have sore losers in the bunch. Playing together as a family will not only boost your family’s fitness, it will give you quality family time that you will not get staring at the big screen. Additionally, you’ll introduce your kids to sports and give them a chance to develop an interest in playing for the school team or city league.
3. Exercise for a cause
When you need a higher purpose or goal to motivate your family to move, sign up to train for a cause. Choose a fund-raising run or bike even in your community, such as run to raise money for a local non-profit, or get involved in national organizations, such as TeaminTraining.com, that support research and raise awareness for chronic diseases, like cancer. Raising money as well as completing the racing events will give your family meaningful common goals to strive towards.
These are just three ways to exercise with your family. What are some of your favorite ways to workout together? Let us know below!
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