Our health and wellness is very much foremost in our minds right now. How do we keep ourselves and our families safe and well. How do we help our children stay physically and emotionally healthy through these unusual times and in the future.
A 2019 report from Statistics Canada stated that only about 40% of children, ages 5-17 met the recommended physical activity target of 60 minutes of moderate to physical activity daily. I don’t believe we adults are doing any better, so we need to find a way to make “family fitness” a priority.
When I speak of fitness I‘m not just talking about a fit body but also about emotional fitness and wellness. Having “fit” minds and bodies impacts on our overall health.
We all need to get active so what better way then to approach fitness as a family. Not only will it improve our overall physical health but it will help with emotion wellness as we spend more time together.
Now for some ideas to help you make “family fitness” a part of your life style. Parents, one of the best ways you can get the ball rolling is to be a good role model. Let the kids see you being active. Instead of hopping in the car to get some milk at the store, walk or bike ride. Invite the kids to come with you. We all ask our kids “how was school today”, usually as we’re making dinner and are only half listening. Try going outside and have a game of catch or shoot some hoops while you talk about their day. Plan a family walk in the forest, make an obstacle course in the back yard, start a “family fitness” challenge. It can be as simple as increasing the length of time you walk or bike ride or who can skip the longest. Ask the kids for their ideas. They’ll have lots.
We all don’t like the same things. On my walk the other day I saw a family out together. Dad was on roller blades, Mum was walking the family pet and the kids were on bikes and scooters. All enjoying what they liked to do and doing it together. I loved the smiles I saw on all their faces.
I have tried to give you some simple ideas that can be used now, and in the future and are cost friendly. Hope these suggestions help you on your road to “family fitness”.
By Nancy Barratt. Nancy is a certified Personal Trainer, Older Adult Specialist and Yoga Instructor at Body Design. Body Design offers on-line Personal Training + Yoga Classes to assist individuals achieve their health and fitness goals.