How to increase your family's physical fitness

limkabook · Jul 6, 2009

Be a role model

Parents are the best role models. By leading an active life, you inspire your children to do the same. Praise, rewards and encouragement will help kids stay active.

Encourage your kids to enjoy activities with the family or on their own. Suggest:
Walking
Playing chase
Dancing
Make time for activity:
Try to find at least three 30-minute slots for physical activity each week.
Pick two of those slots as family activity times.
Put a two-hour limit on the time your kids spend:
Watching TV.
Playing video games.
Using the computer.
Infants and toddlers under 2 should not watch TV at all.
Create opportunities for your kids to be active with other kids.
This can help them build friendships that include active play or sports.
Informal play promotes aerobic fitness, creativity and muscle and bone strength.
Introduce your kids to a variety of activities.
Find recreational, team and individual sports they like.
Help them try things that don't require fine athletic skills. Look for activities they can enjoy for life, such as:
Jogging
Bicycling
Hiking
Swimming
Keep a family activity log on the refrigerator. This can encourage everyone to take part and keep up the good work.

Choosing activities

Come up with family activities that can be done no matter what the weather. These may include:

Indoor facilities for:
Stationary cycling
Swimming
Ice or roller skating
Rock climbing
Aerobic dance
Movements to stretch and strengthen
Stair climbing
Rope skipping
Mall walking
Tell your friends and family about your interest in physical activity.

Ask them to support your efforts.
Invite them to exercise with your family.
Include activity in your family's social calendar. Celebrate birthdays, holidays or family gatherings with:

Hiking
Volleyball
Bicycling
Skiing
Swimming
Other ways to help increase family fitness levels include:

Taking family dog walks.
Finding easy, low-cost recreation programs and sports leagues.
Choosing fitness gifts like a jump rope, mini-trampoline, tennis racket, baseball bat or "Y" membership.
Assigning chores that require physical effort.
Biking, rather than driving, to libraries and stores.
Supporting physical education and recess at school.
Before starting regular physical activity, talk with your doctor about the right levels for your family, especially if you have a child with medical problems

Admin Note: Check article and discussion on the benefits of swimming for fitness

Swim Away to Good Health
http://www.indusladies.com/forums/keep-fit-and-maintain-shape/88500-swimming-benefits.html
http://www.indusladies.com/forums/keep-fit-and-maintain-shape/112331-walking-or-swimming.html
http://www.indusladies.com/forums/keep-fit-and-maintain-shape/139-swimming-q-and-a.html
http://www.indusladies.com/forums/indians-in-uae/91167-sports-for-weight-loss.html
http://www.indusladies.com/forums/keep-fit-and-maintain-shape/41469-how-to-drop-dress-size.html

shakambari · Jul 6, 2009

Nice post wit lots of useful tips.

Thanx.

limkabook · Jul 7, 2009

Thank ya shambakari...your name is cute and u'r avatar is gorgy

AkilaMani · Jul 7, 2009

Very true. making physical activity a family affair has a lot of benefits. while the physical activity itself will increase every1s fitness level, it also brings us closer as a family.

i go for hikes with my older daughter and DH, it is fun for us, and also gives her the time she needs alone with us. we also take the younger one to the park to play while the elder one is at school, so she also gets her share of time alone with parents. i feel that until the kids r able to do the same physical activity together, they can be taken out for activities seperatly. but for swimming, we all go and splash at the same time. if is fun...........

posting a calander for family activites on the fridge is a great idea....

thanks