In this high-tech, fast-paced life, the idea of starting a workout routine for the whole family may be a little daunting. Physical activity and exercise has been greatly reduced as we travel in cars, sit in the office for hours in front of the computer and at home in front of the T.V. This sedentary lifestyle has been linked to obesity and health-related issues ranging from physical inabilities to mental conditions.
For getting in shape, eating healthy and making fitness fun for the whole family, there are plenty of activities families can participate in that provide both enjoyment and exercise. It may also provide an excellent way to spend some great quality time together.
Get physical indoors:
Have fun doing aerobics, yoga, calisthenics and other muscle strengthening exercises by putting on a DVD and gathering the family in the living room for a fun workout. You may even compete with each other to keep everyone motivated. Physical participation video games such as Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit are great games for getting families on their feet, hearts pumping and losing a few pounds. The Wii balance board monitors everybody’s workouts and tells you how much progress you’re making.
Plant a garden:
Get the family involved in planting an organic vegetable and fruit garden or planting seasonal flowering plants. The digging, planting and weeding are good exercises that the kids will enjoy. As the flowers and fruits grow, you can reap the fruits of your labor.
Backyard fitness:
The backyard can be an exciting location for an incredible variety of activities like Frisbee, kickball and flag football. You could also mount a trampoline or set up a volleyball net. Other bone-strengthening exercises include hopscotch, jumping rope, basketball, badminton or a spirited game of tag or tug-of-war to get the whole family involved.
Fitness for a clean house:
Cleaning the house is a healthy activity that can leave the house, yard and your family fit. Mowing the lawn, washing cars, raking leaves and shoveling snow are great outdoor activities where you can compete with each other and also combine them with a water or snowball fight. While mopping, vacuuming or sweeping, make it fun by adding a cleaning soundtrack on your iPod.
Fitness for a cause:
Lots of charities and foundations receive funding from the entry fee of walks, runs and bike rides that can add a new meaning to your fitness program. You may even consider planning a fundraising event for your whole block or neighborhood. It's a great way to stay fit and get to know your neighbors, too.
Nature fitness:
Nature has a lot to offer in the way of fitness. Hiking and biking are perennial classics especially if you live near nature. If there’s a lake or river nearby, swimming, canoeing, whitewater rafting, tubing or kayaking are fun activities. Camping trips are fun for the whole family. In colder climates, cross-country skiing or ice skating can make days more enjoyable.
Adventure birthdays:
Turn birthdays into active adventures. Plan a snow-tubing day trip or a visit to the zoo. Get the whole family involved in a cross-country biking trip.
