Since kids tend to follow their parents lead, it’s important that you teach them the importance of being fit early on.
According to the International Journal of Pediatrics, when one or both parents were active, children were three to six times more likely to be active later in life, than when parents were inactive.
There are numerous ways that families can be active together. Here are some examples of activities you can do to stay fit as a family.
Get out and play
Play is an important part of growing up and essential for brain development. It has numerous physical benefits and is the easiest way to get the family moving. It shapes a child’s mind and imagination.
Free play helps children practice decision making, discover areas of interest and is a great opportunity for parents to fully engage with their children. Play doesn’t have to cost a lot. It can be simply heading to a local park or playground, grabbing a soccer ball for the backyard or setting up an obstacle course or four square. Don’t hesitate to let your child lead in the creation of the activity.
Ride bicycles
Another option to get the family active is heading out on a bike ride. With more than 1,300 miles of trails in Michigan, you won’t be hard pressed to find a beautiful, safe route for your ride. Plus, biking can be enjoyed at all ages and is a great way to build lower body strength and practice balance. Just don’t forget to wear a helmet and other safety gear, depending on the difficulty of the trail.
Swim together
Swimming is not just for summer. Take advantage of Michigan’s lakes while it’s warm and then head to one of the many fitness centers with indoor pools during the chillier months for year-round enjoyment and exercise. Swimming is one of the best full body workouts and will help your kids expel any extra energy. Swimming not only benefits your physical health, but it has also been shown to boost mental health, leading to better sleep and lower stress levels.
Become explorers
Spending time outside is important to overall health and well-being for children and adults. According to research by the University of Illinois, there are links between early outdoor experiences and the development of a child’s imagination.
For some exploring ideas, try setting up a scavenger hunt or geocaching. Geocaching uses GPS on cell phones to hide or catch containers at specific locations. There are a number of different places that host geocaching today. Bonus tip: set up teams with family and friends and compete to see who finishes first.
Go dancing
The annual Arts, Beats and Eats festival is almost here and is a great time to enjoy some healthy fun with the family. The Kids Zone has kid friendly live music and dancing, the Priority Health Zumbathon is a nonstop dance fitness explosion, while the Priority Health Healthy Options signs alert attendees on low fat, gluten free and vegan options families can enjoy after their dance workouts!
Staying fit as a family doesn’t need to involve expensive equipment and hardcore exercises. There are numerous ways to get moving. Plus, encouraging your child to start an active lifestyle early on will benefit them now and later in life, and exercising together helps facilitate family bonding.
