Staying in shape is by no means an easy task, we all know that. What's even more difficult is trying to stay in shape by yourself. The most effective method is to have a support group in place, so that you are not the only one exercising and feeding on bland rabbit food.
Family fitness routines are a great way to not only have your support group, but to also get everyone in shape. Let's face it, the kids eat way to much junk food, dad has gotten a little lazy in his old age and you, well you just need a little toning.
So how do you do it, how do you bribe the rest of the family into a fitness routine without knowing they are doing it? Or how do you get them to take part willingly, thinking it won't be quite so bad? The answer is surprisingly simple, make it fun for everyone. That's it, that is all you have to do, make fitness fun. Below are some ideas to make those family fitness plans a little more appealing to the whole family:
- Take the family for a walk in the evenings(and the dog to if you have one). A nice quiet walk is not a lot of work and it can be a great way for the whole family to spend some time together. You can talk about each other's day, or maybe what you have planned for the weekend, or even walk in silence and enjoy the company of your loved ones.
- Take the kids to your local zoo. The zoo is a lot of fun for the whole family and requires a lot of exercise. Spend a couple of hours wandering around to see all of the animals and you will start to feel it.
- Get out the video games and start playing. Yes you read that right, play some video games. With the release of the Nintendo Wii, video gaming will never be the same. Many people have started what they call the Wii diet, which involves fitness routines around the quite active gaming console. Plus its lots of fun for everyone.
- Take the kids to the park for a little fun. The kids can get their exercise running around playing, and you guys can get your exercise chasing after them.
- Look into a family gym membership. This method does require a little more working out, but it can be a lot of fun. This is also a great way to get your kids into an exercise routine for when they are older.
- Go play in the yard on a sunny day. Be goofy, have fun and play some tag or soccer with the kids. Chase them around or play hide and seek, there are a lot of options here.
- Go to the swimming pool. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise you can get. It works out your whole body and I have to admit that it is a lot of fun.
- Head out of town and go camping and/or hiking. When I was growing up my parents always took me camping and I loved it. Fetching firewood, fishing and exploring can be a tremendous workout, but the best part is you usually don't realize it until after you get home from your fun filled weekend.
- Play a family game of basketball. You can play in your driveway, the local recreation center or YMCA or even the local park. The kids will love beating mom and dad, while you guys enjoy playing with the kids.
- Go out for a family bike ride. This is best if you have any bike trails in your area, so you can get out and ride without worrying about passing cars. Enjoy the scenery and have some laughs.
- Water sports are a great way to get the family in shape. You can go kayaking, water skiing or even rafting to get your work out in place. The whole family will have a blast with this one.
- Skiing and snowboarding can be a great fitness routine during the winter. You could also go sledding on hills in your area. The kids will really get their exercise in climbing back up the hill.
- Look into some fun family exercise dvd's. There are a lot of them out there specifically geared towards families. Everyone can get together and hop around in front of the television.
Well hopefully this has given you some fun ideas for better family fitness, or at the very least led you in the direction of coming up with some of your own. Do you have any family fitness tips that you enjoy? Share them with everyone by leaving a comment below, and remember a fit family is a happy family.
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Great article, lots of fun ideas. I myself am a pilates instructor and occasionally hold “pilates nights”. We get the family together and I run a class for them. This can be done by anyone, there are lots of cheap DVD’s that can be put on and followed by the whole family.