In today’s hyper-technical world, it can be easy to spend all day inside using screens.
Whether you’re working or learning on computers, gaming on laptops, watching TV, or streaming some films, there are plenty of ways to spend the day glued to a screen, even for families.
Interestingly, this increase in everyday technological integration coincides with a societal focus shift on healthier eating and clean living. Including exercise.
As such, parents, and families of all types are constantly looking for fun and creative ways to exercise together.
Exercising as a family can promote bonding, and bring family members closer together through shared experiences.
Not only that, but it can be easier to tackle routine exercise as a unit rather than an individual.
“The key to an active family is finding fun things to do in every season. Aim for a goal of 30 minutes for adults and 60 minutes for kids of moderate activity daily — no matter the weather!”
– Esther Ellis, Eat Right –
Depends on Family Size
Family size should be considered before anything else when it comes to planning group exercise. This is because families can take on all sorts of shapes and sizes.
Some families have a lot of little kids that need to be accounted for, while other families are just partners and their pets.
If your family unit doesn’t include kids, or is simply a little smaller, there may be more activities that you can engage in together based on fewer limitations.
For example, going to the gym could be a fun and effective way for a couple to get their exercise together, whereas it wouldn’t be the most appropriate place for a child.
It’s important to keep in mind the specific people in your family when you’re planning some fun group exercise.
“Before our kids, my partner and I would actually do races together. We competed against one another, but also as a unit against others. Obviously that’s a little too intense for the kiddos, but maybe we can get them involved when they’re a bit older. For now, we have them in gymnastics, so they love playing at parks whenever we go for a walk.”
– Alexandra Fennell, Co-Founder, Attn:Grace –
Taking Hikes
Exposing children to nature is incredibly important, and powerful.
It’s important for kids to understand the natural world around them, and how our role in the global ecosystem.
Going on family hikes is not only an excellent way to get exercise as a family, but also to inspire a passion for and instill a knowledge of nature.
No matter where you live, whether you’re in a city or in the suburbs, there should be some relatively accessible places to take kids where they can explore and hike.
They’ll be getting exercise without even really knowing it.
“We go hiking every single weekend. We’re lucky enough to live within driving distance of a forest preserve, so we just take a little drive over there and we’ll spend a whole day just exploring the trails. It’s great for me and my partner, and it’s great for the kids, too. They love it.”
– Dawn Kendall, Co-Founder, 8 Sheep Organics –
Signing up for a Family Recreational League
There are plenty of recreational sports leagues that are available to families and friends alike. This is where taking the size of your family into consideration becomes important once again.
Some rec leagues will be easier to sign up for with smaller units, while others don’t mind letting a big family sign up as a full team.
No matter the size and shape of your family though, there are recreational soccer leagues, softball leagues, volleyball leagues, flag football leagues, and so much more.
Entering a recreational sports league as a family can be super fun and guarantees some regular exercise.
“Last year we all signed up for a recreational volleyball league together and it was some of the most fun we’ve had in all our summers together as a family. We’ll definitely be doing it again next year, too.”
– Dr. Michael Green, Chief Medical Officer, Winona –
Take on Challenges or Make up Your Own
Another fun and easy way to incorporate regular exercise into your family life is through engaging in popular challenges.
Whether it’s the 100 push-ups a day for 100 days challenge, or signing up for an obstacle race as a group, it can be rewarding and fun to beat a challenge.
There’s a natural sense of accomplishment that comes along with the conquering of a physical challenge.
Even if you don’t want to engage in challenges that others have posted, you can always make up your own, and get your family on board for a little family-friendly-competition.
“I think being each other’s number one competitor and number one cheerleader simultaneously is what has helped us reach so many of our goals. Not only fitness goals, but life goals, too.”
– Jae Pak, Founder, Jae Pak MD Medical –
Motivate one Another
There is no one in our life that is as influential as our family. This is pretty much a universal truth in most instances.
Having the support and motivation of family members who are enduring the same trial that you are can be extremely validating.
So much so that it pushes people to be better and reach their fullest potential.
“My family has always believed in me, always had my back, but most importantly, has always challenged me to be better than I was the day before. That’s what drives me each and every morning.”
– Katy Carrigan, CEO, Goody–
Wrapping Up
Exercise, health, and nutrition are all important for us to learn about and understand.
Not only so we can take control of our own bodies, but so we can educate the next generation about the benefits of eating organically and exercising regularly.
Finding ways to instill this knowledge in fun and creative family environments can be extremely effective in building long-term healthy habits.
“By getting your kids to connect physical activity with thoughts of togetherness, community and fun, you can guide them toward furthering those beliefs with age.”
– Sheelagh Daly, Writer, SheKnows –