Exercise: A Family Affair
“Being a healthy role model is one of the best ways to get your kids up and moving on a regular basis,” said Michael Witten, MS, exercise physiologist and Director of Children's Hospital Colorado Wellness Center. “You can help change the way your kids view exercise simply by becoming more active yourself and discussing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle with your family.”
Use Your Imagination
When it comes to being active as a family, there are endless options that will not only get your heart rate up, but also get everyone smiling.
- Create your own Olympics-themed day. Spend an afternoon in the park making your own Olympics with events such as a Frisbee throwing competition, sprints, bike race and tennis or volleyball tournament.
- Make chores fun. Make games out of housework by playing music throughout your home and dancing while vacuuming or dusting to teach kids that physical activity can be fun. Also, find healthy ways to reward your child for a job well done.
- Set up stations. Create an exercise circuit where family members can participate together. For example, you might have one station set up to bounce a medicine ball, another for hula-hooping and another for playing hopscotch. Circuit training also can include jumping jacks, push-ups and sit-ups.
Getting Kids Excited!
Getting your kids excited about working out can be easier than you think if you create fun activities and make it a family event.
