With the epidemic rise in obesity, especially in children, it is necessary to find enjoyable ways to keep ourselves and our children fit and healthy. Exercise and weight loss can be difficult alone but making it a family affair can make all the difference in the world.
Making exercise a family priority not only helps each family member to lose weight, it is a good way for families to connect and have fun together. The advantages to making exercise an important part of your family time together are many.
*The family spends more quality time together, thus strengthening family relationships.
*It is far easier to lose weight when you are doing it together.
*Children learn healthy habits and develop good physical skills and self-confidence early in life.
*Weight loss success will be much more likely and the whole family will be happier and healthier.
The hardest part of making exercise a family activity is getting started. Use some of the tips listed below:
*BE AVAILABLE. When your children want to play outside, go with them. Play tag, play sports, go swimming or bike riding with them or any other activity that they enjoy and you can share with them.
*NEVER REFER TO IT AS EXERCISE. Whatever activities you pursue together, never refer to it as exercise. Refer to it as playing or fun time.
*NEVER MAKE IT A CHORE. Keep it light and enjoyable.
*VARY YOUR ACTIVITIES. Give everyone a chance to pick what they want to do. Make sure you include activities that at least one person likes to do.
*GIVE GIFTS THAT PROMOTE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. Give your children toys, games, and accessories that encourage activity such as bikes, skates, balls, and good tennis shoes.
*COMBINE EXERCISE WITH LEARNING. Plan walking or biking trips to the park, zoo, or museum. Keep your child’s mind active by counting cars, trucks, fences, etc., on your trips.
*USE YOUR TIME WISELY. Use the time you have together to do more than just exercise. Get caught up on your child’s life, friends, concerns, etc.
There are many opportunities and choices for families who want to participate in physical activities together. Whether your family unit is made up of young children, older children, one parent or two, there are plenty of fun and healthy things to do.
Below are just a few of the opportunities available. Use your imagination and get creative!
*Ice, inline or roller-skating
*Swimming
*Riding bikes
*Walking or hiking (trails, inside track, to the park, etc.)
*Sports (basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, football, badminton, volleyball, etc.)
*Family aerobics
*Hop-scotch, hide-and-seek, or skipping rope
*Martial arts
*Kite flying
There is an old adage that says the family that plays together stays together. This has never been more true than it is in today’s world of violence, drugs and a sometimes out-of-control society.
A family that exercises together loses weight together and is happier, healthier, and more inclined to continue the practice. Making exercise a family priority improves not only the physical health and well-being of everyone, but it is good for the spirit and enhances family bonding.
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