Bringing it Home
How can families follow Fredrick's lead at home? There are five easy ways to put some fun in your family fitness routine that you can try today.
Throw a family dance party in your living room.
You can make this fit your own style. Love music from the '80s? Dance with your kids while you introduce them to the great musical decade. Prefer technology? There are dance-based games for nearly every gaming platform.
Enjoy a little family competition.
For some families, competition is the key. Log miles, steps climbed, jumping jacks, push-ups or whatever else grabs your attention. Challenge each family member to be in competition with themselves by beating their personal best. Keep things lighthearted and encouraging.
Incorporate fitness into everyday life.
This can include walking to school, playing together outside at the park or making time for a family hike or bike ride. While this will improve family health, the benefits go beyond fitness and offer time to create memories and have conversations. Not sure where to start? PHIT America's 40-plus family fitness ideas can help.
Make the usual unusual.
Do you usually drive to run errands close by? Walk or ride bikes instead. Do you like to watch movies together? Try something new instead: Go roller skating, hit the local ice rink or set up a backyard obstacle course. For young children, try taking a walk around the block with flashlights once its dark outside.
Plan an active vacation or staycation.
Use family vacation time to be active together. This can be anything from visiting another town or neighborhood by foot or planning a trip around a family 5K. The best part? Planning active vacations encourages families to have fun, spend time together and try new things.
Most importantly, get the kids involved!
Listen to your kids, and tailor activities to their interests and ideas. They'll feel invested in the activity because they helped choose it. If your kids are interested in learning more about fitness, health or nutrition they can start at BAM!, the CDC website aimed at tweens full of games, quizzes and information.
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