Becoming A Fit Family Is Fun!

Author: Tina L. Scott

Okay, I admit it. I tend to be a bit of a workaholic—and I’m a type A personality. When I’m not working or accomplishing something specific (i.e., doing laundry, helping the kids with their homework, or sewing a quilt), I feel like a slug. And when I finally do run out of steam, I may find myself slumped next to the kids on the couch, mindlessly watching some television program. All of this ads up to a fairly unfit family.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Getting fit as a family can be easy, inexpensive, and fun! And believe it or not, I’ve discovered it can actually make us workaholics more productive, less stressed, and happier individuals—and it can do wonders for our family closeness, harmony, and overall health.

My husband and kids used to have to tear me away from my computer to relax, and my idea of getting fit was a tedious workout at a local facility by myself—concentrated, focused, work—not exactly conducive to family togetherness and definitely not classified as “fun.” In addition, since I was already spending so much time working, taking the time to exercise induced feelings of guilt because it was taking even more time away from my family. Amazingly, it was my family that taught me becoming a “fit” family can be a lot of fun!

When is the last time your family took a walk together? I saw a billboard recently that advocated replacing the old family Sunday drive with a family walk, and you know, that’s an excellent idea! Summers in Wisconsin, America’s Dairyland, are synonymous with ice cream. At our house, we’ve discovered a good old-fashioned ice-cream cone from the neighborhood ice-cream stand is even more enjoyable when precipitated by a long walk. It started out with my husband and kids begging me to stop working on the computer to go get an ice-cream cone, but I soon discovered what a joyful experience our frequent walks could be.

Getting back on our feet (as opposed to our “seats” taking a drive) re-energizes both our bodies and our minds, helps all of us de-stress, and also helps us reconnect with one another. We talk about anything and everything that comes to mind, enjoy the fresh air, and work off some of the calories in that ice cream, all while getting to know our getting some exercise. (And walking is absolutely free—except for the ice cream, of course.)

A favorite alternative to walking for our family is biking. Again, my family initiated this pastime. As the kids got older, they grew tired of riding their bicycles up and down the sidewalk in front of our home. They wanted to venture out further, but my husband and I weren’t comfortable letting them just head out on their own. So instead of paying annual gym fees for a membership we rarely used, we invested in a good bicycle and a helmet for every member of our family. Kids love to bike! And adults do, too. It’s one of those things you never really forget how to do, and it’s perfect for every age.

If you have a baby or toddler, invest in a bike carrier or pull-behind. Short jaunts around town, rides to the local park where everyone can run and play on the playground equipment, or sightseeing journeys in your community foster family togetherness, improve cardiovascular health, increase endurance, and help everyone maintain a healthy weight.

If you thrive on structure, have small children with short attention spans, or face frequent periods of inclement weather, invest in a fun exercise program set to music, on either VHS or DVD, and make exercising a family fun activity.

While little kids may not have the coordination or fine motor skills necessary to complete and keep up with the structured routines, they will have a ball jumping and dancing around to the music alongside you. For that matter, just dancing to music in the living room is a fabulous way to incorporate family and fun.

Last summer my 12-year-old daughter and I signed up for a Tae Kwan Do class. What a workout! And all that punching and kicking action made for great stress relief, too. My daughter and I enjoyed a great bonding experience and improved our fitness level together. We also learned some great self-defense techniques that could come in handy one day.

Family fitness doesn’t have to mean joining a gym, and you don’t have to steal time away from your family to take an aerobics class or feel guilty about joining an adults-only sports league at a local bar to get regular exercise.

No matter what your child’s age, there is a fun, fitness activity waiting for you and your family to do together—to develop family closeness and get healthier. From rollerblading to ice skating, sledding to skiing, swimming to parasailing, softball to soccer, volleyball to hiking voyages in the woods, becoming a “fit” family really can be fun!

Becoming A Fit Family Is Fun!

Author: Tina L. Scott

Read more parenting tips