Kids these days spend excessive time indoors, glued to various electronic devices. Obesity & cardiovascular disease is only two of the many health issues that have arisen due to the growth in inactivity. It’s crucial that we, as parents, make time for exercise and incorporate it into our everyday lives. To encourage healthy family living, this manual offers advice on how to be active with your children.
Setting Goals for Physical Activity
Assessing Your Family’s Current Activity Levels
Before you can plan to increase physical activity, it’s important to assess your family’s current activity levels. Take note of how much time your kids spend sitting or in front of screens each day and how often you engage in physical activity as a family.
Setting Realistic Goals
Once you clearly understand your family’s current activity levels, it’s time to set realistic goals for increasing physical activity. Start small with achievable goals, such as walking around the neighborhood daily or playing an active game for 30 minutes daily.
Tracking Progress
To stay motivated, tracking your family’s progress toward your physical activity goals is important. Use a fitness tracker or keep a journal to record your daily activity levels and celebrate milestones.
Finding Fun Ways to Be Active
Getting Creative
Being active doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or playing organized sports. Get creative and find ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Some ideas include taking a family bike ride, dancing in the living room, or playing tag in the backyard.
Trying New Activities
Trying new activities can be a great way to keep things fun and exciting. Sign up for a family yoga class or try a new sport together. This promotes physical activity and allows you to spend quality time together as a family.
Making It Social
Inviting friends or other families to join in on physical activities can make it more fun and social. Organize a family hiking trip or a group bike ride in your community.
Overcoming Barriers to Physical Activity
Finding Time
With busy schedules and competing priorities, finding time for physical activity can be challenging. Look for opportunities to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking to school instead of driving.
Dealing with Weather
Inclement weather can make it challenging to stay active, but there are still ways to be active indoors. Find indoor activities such as swimming or rock climbing that can be done year-round.
Making It a Priority
The most important step in overcoming barriers to physical activity is to make it a priority. Set aside designated weekly physical activity times and treat them like any other important appointment.
Benefits of Being More Active with Your Kids
Positive Role Modeling
Parents who engage in physical activity with their children set a positive example for them. When children see their parents prioritize physical activity and enjoy being active, they are more likely to adopt these habits and carry them into adulthood.
Fun and Enjoyment
Engaging in physical activity with your kids can be fun to spend time together. When parents and children find physical activities they enjoy, they can create excitement and motivation to continue engaging in these activities together. Investing in a set of fastpitch bats can be a great way to introduce your kids to the sport and get them excited about spending more time outdoors and being active.
Improved Physical Health
Engaging in physical activity with your children can improve overall physical health for both parents and children. Regular exercise can help prevent and manage chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Physical activity also helps strengthen muscles and bones, improves flexibility and coordination, and boosts energy levels.
Mental Health Benefits
Physical activity can also provide mental health benefits, such as reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. When parents and children engage in physical activity, they will likely experience a sense of connection and enjoyment, boosting mood and overall well-being.
Conclusion
Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your kids. By setting realistic goals, finding fun ways to be active, and overcoming barriers to physical activity, you can make physical activity a part of your family’s lifestyle. Not only does physical activity promote a healthy lifestyle, but it also provides an opportunity to bond and create lasting memories with your kids. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get moving!
