subject: It's A Family Affair - Keeping The Family Fit [print this page] Most people enjoy jogging, walking or going to the gym with a work-out partner and for some it's the only way they make themselves exercise as much as they do. Families can also benefit from keeping fit together. When members of the household get out for exercise it encourages others to do the same. Keeping a family fit has several benefits such as spending family time together, staying healthy, and it allows children to begin a lifelong commitment with taking care of their bodies. Children that stay active have a low probability in getting involved in things bad for their bodies as they grow older.
One way to keep a family fit together is to join a gym that offers family memberships. This way when there are weeks of cold or rainy weather there is still an option of going somewhere to get exercise. Many of the gyms with these memberships have great programs for all ages of the family. Usually there are even toddler swimming lessons and activities for each interest a child may have. These gyms can make getting involved with activities more enjoyable for children. Of course there are all of the cardio and weight machines that parents could ever desire in these gyms as well.
Another great way to keep the family fit together is by doing more outdoor activities such as a family game of soccer or softball at a park or in the backyard. Having the family take tennis lessons so family matches can be held is another option. Joining a local pool is another great way to get the family active together in the summer months. Young children can take swim lessons, or join swim team and the parents can swim laps to stay fit. A weekend of skiing is a fun and great way to get the family active in the winter. Even more simple activities such as walking after dinner or on nature trails and playing badminton work on keeping the family in an active routine.
Keeping a family fit is a great way for children to learn the routine of exercising and being an active person can become second nature. Teaching children to stay fit is one of the best things a parent can teach their children. Being active will keep them healthy for many years to come. In addition, active children will be more interested in becoming members of sports teams in school that will keep them fit while they learn the wonderful concept of teamwork. Parents staying fit will allow them to be able to stay active with their children through the years and they will have a higher probability of staying physically healthy as they get older.
