subject: Make Fitness a Family Thing! [print this page] Childhood obesity is at an all time highChildhood obesity is at an all time high. Kids today spend more time indoors watching television or playing video games. Not to mention the fact that kids today have busy schedules just like adults. As a result, there is not much exercising going on among our youth and it is up to us to change that. The best way to encourage children to be more active is to teach through example.
Because of our limited time for fitness, we need to be creative and turn family time into family fitness time. Rather than sitting down to watch a television show with your kids, play ball with them or go for a walk. Not only will you be encouraging fitness, you will be spending quality time with your family. Face it, there isn't much conversation going on while you watch a show on television!
Make family fitness time a part of your regular routine. Plan a certain night each week for an organized event such as bowling, roller skating, or another specialized sport. Other days you can go for walks or a bike ride. Even games like hide and seek or shooting hoops in the driveway can encourage physical activity.
Get your kids involved in community sports programs such as soccer, basketball or baseball. If possible, volunteer to coach their team. You will show your kids that you care and you will be able to help encourage them. The bonding experience you will have with your kids while you coach will be invaluable to both you and your children.
Teach your kids about the activities you enjoy. Even small children love to tag along on the golf course if your course allows. Go for family bike rides and hikes. You can teach your kids about nature as well as helping them learn to love the outdoors.
Start a family exercise challenge. Have everyone set fitness goals, something like exercising so many days a week or a certain amount of time, or set goals for the actual exercise how many hoops you can shoot or how far you can ride your bike. Challenges encourage everyone to push a little harder. It also teaches your kids to keep striving to go further and try harder. Make sure you don't make it too competitive. You don't want your kids to get frustrated!
Making time for family fitness is a great way to stay in shape and build memories with your children. When you play together as a family everyone is a winner!
