This is a great time of year to start a family fitness routine because with kids heading back to school we all tend to get back into a schedule after summer vacation. If you are looking for a family fitness routine your whole family will enjoy consider keeping it simple, incorporating variety, and looking for fun ways to move.
Simple
Probably the most basic way to incorporate movement with the whole family is to plan a walk after dinner. You could do this three, five, or seven nights a week if you are feeling ambitious. It would help instill great habits.
In case you’re not sure you could convince your whole family to walk every day, here are some other ideas. This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are plenty more and you can come up with anything and try new things daily or weekly, depending on how often you want to move with your family.
Play a Game
You could always use the technology kids love and play a game. The Nintendo Switch has boxing, bowling, and dance games you can play that will keep you moving. Or go old school and pull out a game like twister.
Bike Ride
You can take a bike ride on one of the many CT rails to trails or take a bike ride with a purpose—bike to the library, the park, or for the eggs you need from the convenience store.
Fit As a Five Year Old
Another option is to let your child lead the show. My experience is this is best with four to six year olds but you can go a little older too. Let the child pretend to be a fitness instructor. Everyone else will copy their moves. Not only will you get a workout but likely you’ll all be laughing with the silliness. Kids don’t typically come up with the moves we all think of when we exercise. There is less structure and it can be hard to keep up with their creativity and moves. If you can laugh at yourself, you’ll have a GREAT time with this one.
Playing Cards
Buy a pack of blank playing cards and number them 1-52 or four sets of 10 (however you want to break it down). Let everyone in the family fill them out with a physical activity per card like jumping jacks, race around the house, hopscotch, jump rope, or a game of tag. Then play whatever comes up that day. If you draw 5 of push ups, you’re all doing 5 push ups. 10 of wheel barrow races and you race for 10 minutes.
Online Workouts
Online workouts might appeal more if you have older kids. You might have to explore which entices your kids to join you. When I was growing up my mom did Raquel Welch workouts. I was pretty disinterested, but when she found Tae Bo I joined her. And we had fun working out together.
Catch
Don’t forget how fun a simple backyard game of catch is. Go outside and toss a ball, throw a few hoops, play HORSE. Recently I had a catch at the Field of Dreams field. It was a particularly special place and I was reminded how nice it is to just be outside throwing a ball back and forth. I’m not sure I’ve had a catch in a decade.
Remember, you might need to try new things and change it up. It can be hard to find something everyone enjoys equally. You can incorporate family fitness as often throughout the week as meets your family’s needs. But it is a great way to instill healthy habits where movement is just a part of life.
Have fun playing with the whole family!
Click here for Maggie’s segment on CT Live!
Keep Reading
Interested in learning about more activities for kids? Click here!
Click here to read more about the benefits of walking!
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