In America, regardless of age—be it parents, children, or teenagers—there’s a common issue: a significant number of us are not engaging in enough physical activity. As per the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, fewer than 5 percent of adults manage to engage in 30 minutes of exercise daily, and only about one-third of children are active each day.

So, it’s time to take a cue from Sister Sledge. Whether you’re struggling to fit in workouts amid the activity of your kids or the entire family has lost its exercise enthusiasm with the return of school, it’s the perfect moment to start a family fitness routine.

While young children might not be suited for box jumps or might be too energetic for your favorite Pilates class, there are plenty of activities that can be enjoyable for everyone—think hiking, capture the flag, or creating homemade obstacle courses. Alternatively, consider signing up for a fun, muddy obstacle course event like Tough Mudder, which offers course lengths suitable for various fitness levels and ages, along with plenty of motivation to train (and some great photo opportunities).

Given that the CDC recommends at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children and adolescents, it’s essential to frame these activities as play. “A family that plays together, stays together. And if that play involves exercise, it’s even better!” says Grayson Wickham, DPT, CSCS, founder of Movement Vault. Children tend to emulate what they observe, so showing them that you enjoy being active can positively influence their perception of fitness. Instead of referring to it as a “workout,” think of it as “playtime,” advises Wickham.

“By making it enjoyable, you’re instilling a lifelong appreciation for fitness in them, which is crucial given the current national concerns surrounding childhood obesity and general obesity,” states Wickham. Moreover, the health benefits are extensive. “No medication can compare to the advantages that exercise provides,” he adds.

In addition to having a great time and improving health, exercising with the family allows kids to achieve success in every activity, bolstering their confidence and developing leadership qualities. And as for the relationship-building aspect? Those are simply delightful side benefits.

If you’d like to partake in family workout activities but don’t have kids, don’t hesitate to include your dog in the fun. They enjoy playtime too—especially when mud is involved.