Children learn by example, and if you make a point of including exercise in your daily life, they will be sure to make this a part of their daily activities throughout their lives. Parents can schedule many different types of exercise into their interactions with children to suit different tastes. Here are a just few of the easiest ways to incorporate an exercise regime into your family life.
Look for More Opportunities to Walk
Walking is still one of the most convenient of exercises, with low impact and many cardiovascular benefits. You can encourage your children to take advantage of opportunities to walk by encouraging them to walk the dog with you, walk instead of driving to the local park or participating in a walkathon for charity. Walking is an activity you can enjoy together as a family, and it needs no special equipment.
With today’s busy schedules, it’s more important than ever to find time to spend together as a family. Implementing a family exercise regime will help your children to learn health habits, while it provides time to share conversation and experiences. Find an exercise that works for your family, and you’ll be rewarded with better health and closer family bonds.
Jogging
Taking a daily jog through the neighborhood is a great way for families to manage weight, improve cardiovascular health, increase lower body strength and improve lung function. Jogging as a group can be a fun way to check out changes in the neighborhood, interact with neighbors and forge closer bonds with your children.
Family Yoga
Yoga offers a beneficial exercise for people of all ages. The standard yoga positions, called “asanas,” can be adapted to suit the very young, those in the prime of their physical condition, as well as for older members of the family. Yoga is beneficial for muscle strengthening, increasing lung function and improving flexibility and balance. It can also be helpful in managing stress. These qualities make it a perfect exercise to share with family members. Places like California Family Fitness even offer family yoga classes.
Bicycling
Bicycling is a low-cost and enjoyable way to improve your family’s health and strengthen family bonds. You don’t have to buy top-of-the-line equipment to enjoy a day in the outdoors with your kids, communing with nature, seeing new sights and strengthening your muscles and cardiovascular system. Pack a snack and your camera for a wonderful day of exercise. Many communities now provide safe bike paths to allow families to participate in this healthy, enjoyable activity.
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