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Making Family Fitness Fun

Physical activity is a vital part of staying healthy. Encouraging healthy habits in your child is one of the best things a parent can do to try to guarantee a healthier life. Being active can help kids and adults have healthier weights, less fat, and stronger muscles and bones. Activity can help prevent heart disease, cancer, and stroke. It can also lessen feelings of depression, and boost confidence. As children get older, they often reduce their physical activity. Because of this, making activity a family focus is key.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) says that kids ages 17 and under get at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. The DHHS recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes a week of physical activity. And one of the best ways to meet your goals is to work on them as a family.

Making activity a priority

A little bit of planning can help make physical activity a fun part of your regular family life.

  • Talk with your child鈥檚 pediatrician. If your child has constant health concerns or injuries, his or her healthcare provider can help you figure out which activities will work best.

  • Write down an activity goal. Start with something small that you and your family can reach together. Be specific. For example, decide to do 30 minutes of activity 4 days a week for 4 weeks.

  • Create a family activity calendar. Plug in activities for each week like going on a family hike, walking the dog, or playing sports. Post it in a spot where everyone in the family can see it.

  • Make a menu of fun choices. A list of activity ideas can get the ball rolling. Think of activities that work best for your child鈥檚 age.  See the list below for some choices.

  • Let your child help pick activities. If your child is involved with choosing activities, he or she may be more excited about them.

  • Track your progress. Put fun stickers or notes on the calendar to celebrate milestones and other achievements.

  • Limit TV and computer time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 1 hour to 2 hours of 鈥渟creen time鈥 per day.

  • Reschedule, don鈥檛 cancel. If something comes up and you have to miss activity time, plug the activity into a new time slot.

  • Set challenges. Create small contests for your family members. Who can climb the most stairs in a week? Who can be the first to walk the dog 3 times? Offer small rewards like special stickers on the calendar, or colorful certificates.

  • Make it social. Invite neighbors or your children鈥檚 friends to join your activities. You can invite them into your challenges, too.

  • Be positive and encouraging. Physical activity is easier for some kids, and harder for others. Overweight children may feel self-conscious. Let your child go at his or her own pace, and offer support and encouragement. Promote a positive attitude. Positive experiences with activity will make it easier to keep your child involved and interested.

  • Be a role model. Your positive attitude about activity will help your child see it as an important part of a healthy life.

Fun ideas for family activity  

  • Dance in the living room to your favorite songs

  • Do house and yard work together

  • Garden together

  • Go hiking in a local park

  • Help clean a local park

  • Play an active video game that involves fun body movement

  • Play games like tag, catch, or Frisbee

  • Play sports like soccer, basketball, tennis, or badminton

  • Ride your bikes together

  • Swim laps

  • Take regular family walks on weekend mornings, after dinner, and any other time you can.

  • Take stairs instead of elevators or escalators, and keep a stair count

  • Take the dog for a walk or jog

  • Train together for a charity walk or run

Setting priorities for a lifetime

A child with healthy habits is more likely to grow into an adult with healthy habits. When physical activities are a family priority, they can help give children a great foundation for a healthy life.