The last year I had a membership to a gym, I never got to use it. The childcare center at the gym would not take children showing any symptom of illness, even a clear slightly runny nose. In a family with five children, if a cold sets in, it could take weeks to make the rounds through all of the children.
When we realized that getting to the gym was difficult at best. Due to schedules and circumstances, we were forced to look for other ways for us and our children to stay fit. We took a hard look at our schedule and needs and made these 4 changes to encourage fitness in our family.
Play
It seems overly simplistic to suggest that we play as a fitness activity, but for children playtime is fitness time. Their bodies are always in motion, burning calories and keeping their heart rate up. We lose that as get get older. An hour or so of active playtime is a great workout for an adult.
Here is a list of active play ideas for parents and children:
- Frisbee
- Tag
- Hide n’ Seek
- Nerf War
- Kickball
- Football
- Baseball
- Jump Rope
Set a Time for Family Fitness
Find a time that will work for you at least three days a week. Make sure the time slot is large enough to run through a fitness routine as a family. Look for times when everyone is home. Use this time to replace some other less active activity like watching TV or video games.
You can use a video to lead you or compile a list of your own exercises that are appropriate for all ages. There are lots of great fitness ideas on Pinterest with printables. You could even do parent and me yoga for your family if that is your cup of tea.
Choose Active Family Hobbies
Choosing hobbies that will get you up, active and outside as a family will be extremely beneficial. You will be having fun and staying fit together all at the same time.
- Hiking
- Biking
- Gardening
- Swimming
- Geocaching
Form Active Habits
Our days are run by our habits. Those things that we make into habits will determine how we effectively function. There are many times each day that we can incorporate active habits into our routine.
- Take a walk after dinner
- Stand instead of sitting whenever possible (ex. talking on the phone, folding laundry)
- Just keep moving
- Connect active movements to common activities (ex. do 5 jumping jacks before entering the laundry room)
- Do lunges down the longer halls of your house
- Move at a faster pace whenever possible to increase heart rate
How do you and your family stay fit? What hobbies and activities do you use to keep you up active and out of doors?
Melissa is wife to Stacy and homeschooling mom to five children. She and her family live in East Tennessee, just north of Knoxville of land that has been in her family for five generations. She is passionate about Bible study and discipling her children.
These are some great ideas. Plus, research has shown that if you are active as a parent, your children will follow your lead.
Another idea that I would add is offer physical activity outings as positive rewards i.e. good report card = a trip to the bouncy gym. Tight on funds? You can certainly find free outdoor activities to use as a reward – swimming in a lake or ocean, trip to a favorite playground, etc.
We try to run 3x’s a week as a family. My hubby pushes a double stroller and I push a single stroller 🙂
These are great suggestions! I just posted a post on my blog called “My Family Hates Exercise.” LOL! Despite the fact that I’ve lost 100 lbs and exercise on a regular basis, finding time to fit it in as a *family* has been challenging. I really don’t want to be the nagging mom who is always prodding everyone to get up and get moving. I know the goal is to make it fun, but I do believe there are times it simply has to be incorporated into the routine. I like the quote about how our habits become who we are. I don’t always feel like working out, but it has to be a part of my day — like something is missing if I don’t do it. I want my kids to feel the same way.
Hello. Also very frugal ideas to stay fit. What I believe in.
Love these ideas! I think you’re exactly right about motivation getting us started. Some mistakenly think it’s willpower, but the right motivation trumps all else. Thanks for sharing these tips!
We try to incorporate many of these ideas in our daily life! Thanks for linking up at the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop! We hop you stop by again next week!