 Getting
Fit with Your Family
Between parents' demanding
work schedules and kids' school and activities, it can be next to impossible to
fit in family time. Busy schedules also make it difficult to fit exercise into
your life. Therefore, why not put the two together? Family time and fitness time
can become "Family Fitness!" Not only does this allow the entire family
to become more active, but combining family time with fitness sets a good example
for children, allowing them to learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Try these tips for creating
your family fitness time:
-
Schedule a regular time
throughout the week for physical activity
Decide on what days you will have family fitness time and mark it down on your
calendar so your entire family can participate. Make sure that your family realizes
the importance of these "dates" or "appointments." Make sure
that your family fitness time fits with everyone's schedule. For example, if your
children have swimming lessons or ballet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, schedule your
family fitness time on Mondays and Wednesdays.
-
Take turns selecting
an activity for the family to do as a group
You can assign each person a day and allow them to choose an activity. Then, write
it down in a fitness log or calendar. This gives you and your children something
to look forward to and you'll know in advance exactly what you'll be doing. In
fact, you might encourage your kids to practice in advance. If you'll be having
a family game of basketball on Wednesday, encourage them to dribble or run some
sprints on Monday or Tuesday - even if it's just for a few minutes. It's simply
one more way to add more activity into the entire family's day.
-
Start a log of daily
fitness activities
You can keep a log on the refrigerator so that everyone knows what activity you
will be participating in on the various days. Allow you children to "check-off"
each activity after it is completed. This gives them a feeling of accomplishment.
After a few weeks your entire family will see not only how much time they've spent
together but also how much activity they've been able to fit into their day.
-
Help everyone find something
active that makes him or her feel successful
Choose different activities that allow your children to feel good about themselves.
If one of your children is a great baseball player and the other a good soccer
player, alternate the activities. Or find something that everyone is good at,
such as hiking. Try different things that you and your family have never done
before. Consider joining a class or going to your local recreational facility
for some "off-beat" activities like rock climbing.
-
Take advantage of the
weekends and get a game together
Finding time during the week for the entire family to get together can be challenging.
So, when the weekend rolls around, take advantage of it. In fact, you might want
to involve other families in your area or neighborhood. Challenge them to a friendly
game of baseball, kickball or softball. Pack a healthy picnic lunch with sandwiches,
fruit, green salads, etc. and you've got a day full of fun, family, friends and
lots of activity!
Join
CaloriesCount.com!
Members Login Here
|
|
