Only one in three kids are physically active every day, and parents face similar statistics. The good news is, you can get your family moving with a variety of fun activities that will not only give you a physical boost by making your heart, muscles and bones stronger, but can also help you and your children feel more confident and whole.
Here are some easy ways to make exercise a family affair that can encourage physical activity and improve everyone’s whole health.
New Family Activities to Try - If your kids and family seem to be stuck in a rut for fun physical activities, try something new such as archery, bowling, gardening, horseback riding, martial arts and biking.
Schedule Time for Exercise - Make exercise a priority with a designated time and space that works for your entire family like Walking Wednesdays or Swimming Saturdays.
Show How Exercise Can Be Fun - Model healthy habits towards physical activity by making sure you regularly exercise yourself. Try taking evening walks, bike rides or even working in your garden. Invite kids to tag along and make exercise a family affair.
Play With Your Kids - Play with your child and teach him or her a new activity, such as volleyball or basketball. Young kids need access to active toys — think balls and jump ropes — to keep them moving and developing appropriately.
Take a Screen Time Break - Make a family pact to turn off devices in the evenings (and certain hours on the weekends) and use that time for physical activity instead of staring at screens.
Track Everyone’s Progress - Keep track on a calendar or chart on the fridge each time a family member exercises for a bit of friendly competition. A visual system to track progress is great motivation for everyone, including adults.
Let Your Kids Decide - Ask each child to pick a fun activity to do as a family each week. You may be surprised at how creative kids can be in the activities that they choose.
These tips, provided by our research partner, AdventHealth, are available to you and others in the Lake Nona community to help make positive impacts on our health.