7 Fun Physical Fitness Activities For The Whole Family

Getting active is an important part of staying healthy and fitness has lots of long-term health benefits. That is why I am happy to have Mara Wedeck, a passionate advocate for all things well being, particularly the health and well-being of kids and their planet, share a guest post with us today.  Mara is the co-founder of PopFit Kids, a mobile children’s fitness organization based in New York City, where kids learn why ‘It’s Cool to Move’. She strives to help kids and families create positive associations with movement to  teach kids that lifelong healthy habits can be fun. She noticed most kids are not getting as much physical activity as they need and she wants to ensure children get inspired by physical activity and excited about making fitness and healthy living a part of their everyday activities.  Without further ado, here are Mara Wedeck’s top seven fun physical fitness activities for the whole family.

Strengthening Bodies and Bonds Through Family Fitness

By Mara Wedeck

Physical activity is great not only for getting your heart pumping, but it’s a perfect way for family members to bond and spend time with one another.

To get kids on the right track towards living a healthy and happy life, encourage them to be physically active from a young age. Families that play together, have fun together – and get in shape in the process. The most cherished memories in life are of doing what you love together with who you love.

We often hear about the benefits of exercise in terms of extending one’s time on earth, but just as important is the quality of that time exercise can provide (for children of all ages) as a special activity families can do together.  Without stress, without pressure, without expectations of anything but getting together to move around and have some fun.

How To Incorporate Fun Physical Fitness Activities Into Your Everyday Life:

Set Goals
Getting active together doesn’t have to be time consuming.  Even 30-60 minutes, three times a week can be beneficial. Maximize your time but keep it real to the ebbs and flows of your own family. Block out time after-school, after-dinner and at least one day on the weekend. Boom. 

Track Progress
Schedule your activities and keep a simple check list of what is being done and when. Doesn’t need to be a competition per se, just a little nudge on accountability. Though if a competitive edge is what gets your family motivated – game on.

Make Lists & Make Family Fitness Fun
Brainstorming as a family is a great way to get everyone to contribute ideas, get motivated and even get a little silly. My son Ben introduced the idea of crab crawls with action figures on his belly to ensure his core stays engaged. Never thought of that. Thanks Ben!

Now that we are committed. Try some of these on for size.

Fun Physical Fitness Activities For The Whole Family

Find Your Fit and Encourage Everyone’s Choices
Take turns with who selects what activity as the focus of that day. Your daughter may want to bust into a dance party and your son lead with a game of a catch. Try it all!  With the simple click of a smart phone you can even make exercise videos to enhance the experience.

Power Off to Power On
Ditch the iPad, put down the playstation and turn off the TV. Swapping out screen time for active time can easily add hours of healthy movement into your week. Can’t break away from a group viewing of “Modern Family?” Try some dynamic warmups around the room during commercial time. Bear crawls, walking lunges across the floor and a round of high-knees will surely have everyone wanting more.

Give the Gift of Fit
Buy anytime, anywhere sports equipments like jump ropes, frisbees or balls for presents on birthdays and holidays. Everyone can get in on the action.

Be Resourceful
Doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to activate your family.  No gym, no problem. Use household items as props. Make some yoga blocks out of heavy coffee table books, a broom for a workout bar or simply try some wall squats. Heading outdoors? Grab some balls, cans and pool noodles and create your own obstacle course.

Create a Rockin’ Family Fit Playlist
Music is a huge motivator and can be a powerful source for energizing and increasing endurance. Plus, everyone no matter what age is sure to have their favorite go-to tune that automatically takes them them to a happy place. Bring along the proverbial boom box and watch how everyone will move, together.

Synchronize for a Sweaty Saturday 
Take advantage of your community centers or local gym on the weekends that might have adult group fitness and kids fitness or sports classes running at the same time. Walk over there together and then share your experiences over a post workout healthy juice.

Plan Active Family Gatherings and Vacations
Find a Cul de Sac near by or create a mock track and start a family fun run with your community; plan olympic style relays at the next cousins barbecue; find a vacation spot where you can all benefit from outdoor activities like hiking, biking or simple walking to and from the poolside.

And last but not least….stay hydrated, keep healthy snacks on hand and always remember to have fun, fun, fun!  What are some of your favorite fun physical fitness activities?  What is your reason to kit fit as a family? How do you stay motivated?