It’s time for families to step off the sidelines and commit to a fitness journey together! Here are some practical strategies to help you reach your family fitness aspirations.

Less is More

Engaging in fitness activities as a family fosters mutual respect, tightens family connections, and ensures everyone meets their essential physical activity requirements.

Family physician and author Dr. Kim Foster notes, “Typically, being a ‘weekend warrior’ isn’t sufficient for maintaining physical fitness … Children should engage in at least 60 minutes of activity daily, while adults are encouraged to aim for 150 minutes a week. Incorporating family activities during the week—like biking after dinner—can help everyone reach these goals.”

A simpler approach to family fitness might be beneficial for parents. Instead of shuttling one child to hockey and racing to catch another at dance class, consider participating in a single fitness activity that everyone can enjoy together. Choosing one sport to share reduces commuting time, lessens your vehicle’s environmental impact, and simplifies scheduling while enhancing family bonding through shared experiences.

Reversing Roles

Participating in a structured fitness class as a family offers unique advantages, according to Michael Walsh, head of Northern Karate Schools. “Switching roles can be very beneficial … When a ten-year-old yellow belt guides their mother through a yellow belt test, it establishes a bond that enhances the family dynamic. Children understand that their parents also face challenges while learning, while parents develop a new respect for the effort needed to master karate techniques.”

Health Advantages

According to Foster, the benefits of staying active are extensive. “Living an active life leads to improved sleep, enhanced mood, better fitness, and increased longevity … the advantages are numerous,” she states. “Moreover, being active as a family provides unique benefits, particularly in terms of modeling behavior. By demonstrating that fitness is a fun priority, you’re not only boosting your children’s health now, but also enhancing the chances that they will remain active into adulthood.”

Making It a Reality

Will children truly be eager to forego their individual activities to exercise with their parents? Deb Lowther, a writer, entrepreneur, and mother of three active daughters, offers some insight. “There will be pushback,” she acknowledges. “Kids prefer lounging on the couch some days. However, get ready, plan a bike ride, explore muddy trails, learn skiing, go indoor rock climbing, or bounce on a trampoline together. You’ll create unforgettable family memories.”

Enhance family fitness enjoyment by crafting a jar filled with weeknight activity ideas (like neighborhood walks) and another for weekend adventures (like horseback riding). Each day, alternate in selecting an activity from these jars, combining children’s involvement with parental oversight of scheduling.

Fitness is a family affair—don’t just sit back while your kids engage in exercise! Whether it’s an impromptu tag game in the backyard, an afternoon of geocaching, or consistent karate classes, staying active enables families to bond and make the most of their shared time.