THE POWER OF FAMILY FITNESS

Written by Olivia Arrow

Life can be super busy and sometimes it’s hard to make time for ourselves, let alone spend quality time with our loved ones. But making exercise a family affair is not only great for your health, but it’s also an amazing way to bond with your family!

Why it’s so important to get active together:

It’s Motivating! 

When you’re exercising with your family, you’re more likely to stick to it because you don’t want to let them down. Plus, having someone to cheer you on and celebrate your victories makes it all the more fun and rewarding.

It Teaches Important Life Skills.

Working together as a team, setting goals, and celebrating successes are all valuable lessons that can be learned through regular exercise.

It Creates Lasting Memories.

How many of us can remember playing sports or going on family walks when we were kids! Those memories stick with us forever and help shape who we are as adults.

It’s A Great Way To Bond.

Spending quality time together doing something active can help strengthen relationships and foster a sense of closeness.

It’s Good For Your Mental Health! 

Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. So, not only will you feel better physically, but emotionally too.

What are the Physical Benefits

Healthy Ticker

Exercising together regularly helps keep everyone’s hearts healthy and lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other scary stuff. It’s like a preventative measure that your whole family can enjoy!

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

With childhood obesity on the rise, it’s more important than ever to encourage your child  to live an active lifestyle. Exercising together as a family sets a great example and helps instil healthy habits that will hopefully stick with your kids for life.

Strong Bones and Muscles

Exercise is like a superpower for your body’s framework! It builds up bone density and muscle strength, which means your kids are less likely to break a bone or pull a muscle.

Better Sleep

Exercise helps you and your family sleep better at night, which means everyone’s in a better mood and has more energy during the day.

Boosted Energy Levels

Contrary to what some people might think, exercise doesn’t leave you feeling exhausted. It actually gives you more energy and helps you feel more focused and alert throughout the day.

The Mental and Emotional Benefits

Stress Relief

Exercising together can help your whole family chill out and feel less stressed. Endorphins, these are the happy hormones, are released when you work out, making everyone feel better and more relaxed.

Improved Mood

Regular exercise has been proven to help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When you exercise as a family, you’re all getting those mental health benefits and having fun while you’re at it!

Increased Self-Esteem

Feeling strong and capable is awesome! Exercising as a family can help everyone feel better about themselves and boost their confidence. When you reach a goal together, whether it’s running a 1km or doing a certain number of push-ups, it’s a huge confidence booster for everyone involved!

Stronger Family Bonds

Working out together creates memories and helps everyone learn to work as a team. It’s a great way to connect, have fun, and build stronger relationships that will last a lifetime.

Teaching Healthy Habits

When exercise is just something you do as part of your everyday life, it’s easier for kids to see how important it is. They’ll learn the value of being active and making healthy choices from watching you and their siblings. It sets them up for a lifetime of good habits and a healthy lifestyle.

What Are Some Fun & Engaging Activities

The key to successful family exercise is finding activities everyone enjoys. Some ideas to get you started::

Outdoor Adventures

Go for hikes, bike rides, or nature walks, exploring your local parks, beaches or trails. This allows for fresh air, sunshine, and the chance to bond with nature.

Sports and Games

Play basketball, soccer, frisbee, or volleyball. Organise family tournaments or join a local sports league. This encourages team spirit and friendly competition.

Dance Parties

Put on some music and get everyone moving! You can learn new dance routines, freestyle, or just let loose and have fun.

Yoga or Pilates

These practices can be enjoyable and beneficial for people of all ages and fitness levels. They promote flexibility, strength, and mindfulness.

Tips On How To Make Exercise A Family Habit

Start off Slow and Gradually Increase Intensity

Don’t overdo it right from the get-go. Begin with manageable activities and gradually increase the duration and difficulty as everyone gets fitter.

Make it Fun

Focus on activities that everyone genuinely enjoys. Include games, music, and lots of laughter to keep things light and enjoyable.

Be Reliable

Schedule regular exercise time into your family’s calendar, just like any other important appointment. This helps establish a routine and makes it a non-negotiable part of your family life.

Set Family Goals

Work together to choose a shared fitness goal, whether it’s participating in a race, learning a new sport, or simply getting more active. This creates a sense of shared purpose and keeps everyone motivated.

Celebrate Achievements

Acknowledge and celebrate all the wins. This will reinforce positive behaviour and encourage everyone to keep pushing forward.

In a world where it’s too easy to get sucked into our screens and forget about the real world, family exercise is a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that health, happiness, and connection are all about spending quality time together, while doing something active and fun. Why not ditch the remote controls, lace up those sneakers, and hit the pavement as a family.  Your kids will thank you for it later in life!