FAMILY FITNESS
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Being fit and leading an active, healthy lifestyle is a great example where parents' actions speak louder than words. Getting up and moving as a family is the best motivation for your kids to be active and healthy.
Incorporating fun and health as an everyday lifestyle choice works significantly better than setting a time to be active for 30 minutes, three times a week. Inactive kids often grow into inactive adults, so teaching your kids the importance of being active and healthy at an early age will help them form lifelong healthy habits. Moving together is also a great way to be healthy and spend time as a family!
Let these creative ideas and activities get your family moving:
Treasure hike: Hiking is a great way to explore nature and be fit. Instead of taking the standard hiking route, check out letterboxing.org andgeocaching.com for a fun, cool take on treasure hunting. In geocaching, you use a GPS system to find a hidden 'treasure' stash; in letterboxing, you follow a series of clues that take you to the letterbox. Your kids will definitely be up for a hike to treasure - it's a great way to enjoy exercise.
Walk or bicycle: Encourage your family to walk and bike as much as you can to as many places as you can. Go bicycling as a family to the library or the school. Go for after dinner walks instead of heading to the couch and the TV. Not only does this help your family stay fit, it also helps the environment by reducing your carbon footprint!
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Turn TV commercials into fitness breaks: the great thing about sports is that it brings people together. If you're watching your favorite team on the couch at home with your family, turn the commercial breaks into fitness ones. Get off the couch and do some sit ups, pushups or jog in place. Getting up and moving frequently will prevent your kids from leading sedentary lifestyles.
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Walk or Run for Charity: this is a great way to teach your kids the value of exercise and giving back to the community. Pick your favorite cause and team up with your family to raise funds and participate in an event that gives back.
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Active Parties: birthday parties and family nights often consist of movies and fast food restaurants. Get all your friends and family moving together with indoor or outdoor activities like roller skating, football and picnics in the park or rockclimbing. There are tons of activities to get you moving that will keep the adults entertained as well as the kids.
What are some ways you keep your family fit?
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