There’s more to exercise than the workout grind, and there are many ways to get moving that are fun activities for the whole family. Here are ten tips for being more active as a family and having a good time while you do it.
1. Limit Screen Time — for Yourself as Well as Your Kids
- Television, computers, video games, and the ubiquitous cell phone conspire to keep us glued to our screens instead of getting up and being active. Limit your kids’ screen time and abide by the same rules yourself, no matter how tempting TikTok may be. This is one area where leading by example is vital.
2. Go for a Walk
- Whether you live in the middle of nowhere or the heart of the city, a walk is always a good option, and most kids enjoy it. Explore your neighborhood — you may discover things you never noticed when driving.
3. Teach Your Kids a Sport
- Teach your kids to play softball, basketball, badminton, or even croquet or horseshoes. There are sports appropriate to all ages and athletic abilities (or lack of them).
4. Make Your Yard an Activity Hub
- Fill your yard with things to do. Get a swing set or hang a tire swing. Make a see-saw. Create an obstacle course or build a fort. The more enticing of a play area, the more likely kids are to use it.
5. Dance, Dance, Dance
- Have a dance party once per week, where your family plays music and dances for an hour. Make it a game, too; whenever a commercial comes on the TV, get up and dance until it’s over.
6. Involve Them in the Housework
- Housework such as making beds, vacuuming, taking out the trash, and other chores can be opportunities for light family exercise. Make sure there are cleaning supplies in every room so “clean as you go” becomes a habit. For example, keep dish soap near the kitchen sink for a quick clean-up. You might also put surface disinfectant wipes on the bathroom counter.
7. Have a Family Fitness Night Each Week
- Do exercises such as sit-ups, push-ups, jumping jacks, or even yoga moves together. Make it a competition to see who can do the most repetitions or has the best form. Brightly colored resistance bands appeal to kids and are great for many types of exercises.
8. Plant a Garden
- Not only is gardening good exercise, but it’s also an opportunity to discuss good nutrition. If you can’t have a full-fledged garden, plant a container garden.
9. Go to the Park and the Pool
- Of course, the park and pool are always popular choices and are free or low-cost. But don’t sit there on the sidelines while the kid’s splash or swing — get out there and get active with them. Don’t forget the sunblock.
10. Play with Your Kids
- The easiest way to get active as a family is simply playing with your kids. Organize a game of tag. Invite the neighbor kids over and play Red Rover. Instigate some hide-and-seek. Kids are naturally active, and indulging in old-fashioned childhood games is an excellent way to bond while getting in some exercise. Keep a first-aid kit nearby, though, just in case there is a scraped knee or two.
How can a family be more active? Once you put down the screens, you’ll find the possibilities are nearly limitless.