Family Activities That Keep You Fit
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to find time for fitness, especially when you have a family to take care of. However, incorporating physical activity into your family’s routine helps you maintain a healthy lifestyle, strengthens your relationship, and creates memories that last a lifetime.
There are various fun and exciting family activities that not only keep you fit but also make exercise enjoyable for everyone. From outdoor sports to indoor games, we’ve got you covered with ideas that cater to all fitness levels and interests. So, grab your family and get ready to have fun while staying fit!
10 Family Activities That Keep You Fit
Remember, the key to making fitness fun for the whole family is to find activities that everyone enjoys and to make sure that it is a part of your routine. So, pick a few activities from this list and start getting fit as a family!
Here are ten family activities that keep you fit:
- Hiking: Take a walk in nature and enjoy scenic views while getting a good workout.
- Get the whole family involved in the household chores like cleaning and yard work. Create a game or competition with fun rewards!
- Biking: Rent a family-friendly bike and go for a ride. This is a great way to explore your local area and get some exercise.
- Swimming: Head to the local pool and spend an afternoon swimming laps or playing games.
- Soccer: Get a group of families together for a friendly game of soccer.
- Tennis: Pick up a racket and hit the court for a doubles game.
- Yoga: Practice yoga together and learn how to stay fit and relaxed.
- Obstacle courses: Try a local obstacle course or create your own in the backyard.
- Dance: Turn on some music and dance together. This is a fun way to increase your heart rate and burn calories.
- Rock Climbing: Visit a rock climbing gym and challenge each other to climb higher and higher.
- Beach Volleyball: Head to the beach and play a volleyball game in the sand. This is a great way to get some sun and exercise.
Is it important to stay fit?
Yes, staying fit is important for many reasons. Regular physical activity can improve physical health and helps to maintain a healthy weight, reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, and helps to improve overall physical fitness – for the whole family.
Other benefits include:
- Boost mental health: Exercise improves your mood and decreases symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Increase energy levels: Regular physical activity boosts energy levels, making it easier to get through the day.
- Promote better sleep: Exercise improves sleep quality and quantity.
- Strengthen relationships: Participating in physical activities as a family can help to build stronger bonds and create positive memories.
Overall, staying fit is essential to maintain good physical and mental health to enjoy a better quality of life.
For younger kids
You might have children under five years old in your family who want to participate but aren’t old enough for anything too strenuous! The World Health Organisation says that children 1-2 years of age should spend at least 180 minutes daily in various physical activities. They should not be restrained for more than 1 hour to prams, or high chairs, sit for extended periods, or be strapped on a caregiver’s back).
WHO continues to state that:
- For one-year-olds, sedentary screen time is not recommended.
- For those aged two years, sedentary screen time should be no more than 1 hour.
- When inactive, engaging in reading and storytelling with a caregiver is best; and
- Having 11-14 hours of good quality sleep, including naps, with regular sleep and wake-up times, is essential.
Here are some fun activities to keep fit with toddlers:
- Treasure Hunt: Hide toys or treats around the house or yard and have your toddler search for them.
- Bubble Play: Blow bubbles and have your toddler chase and pop them.
- Ball Play: Play catch, roll a ball back and forth, or play a simple game of soccer with a softball.
- Water Play: Fill a kiddie pool or set up a sprinkler for outdoor water play.
- Obstacle Course: Use pillows, blankets, and furniture to create an obstacle course for your toddler to crawl, climb, and jump through.
- Park Play: Visit a local park and play on the swings, slides, and other play equipment.
- Scavenger Hunt: Create a simple scavenger hunt for your toddler using items from around the house or yard.
- Simon Says: Play a game of Simon Says and have your toddler follow your commands, such as “touch your toes” or “jump up and down”.
- Balloon Play: Blow up balloons and play a game of keep-away or toss them back and forth.
The goal is to make fitness fun for your toddler and to encourage them to be active and move their bodies. So, get creative and have fun!
Essentials to pack when getting fit with the family
If you are going to have outdoor fitness fun, remember to prepare for any weather. For the heat, having enough water for everyone is essential. If you prefer to avoid carrying water with you, look for parks or paths that offer water fountains. This allows you to stay hydrated while working to improve your fitness level.
- Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays, especially if you spend time outdoors.
- Snacks: Pack healthy snacks, such as fruit, granola bars, or nuts, to keep everyone fueled during the activity.
- First Aid Kit: Bring a small kit in case of cuts, scrapes, or other minor injuries.If anyone gets a cut or bruise, see a doctor to ensure there are no infections or potential risks.
- Athletic Clothing: Make sure everyone has dressed appropriately for the activity, such as wearing comfortable athletic shoes and breathable clothing.
- Hat and Sunglasses: Bring a hat and sunglasses for added protection if you spend time in the sun.
- Towels: Pack a towel if you’ll be participating in an activity where you’ll get wet or sweaty.
- Extra Clothing: If you’re participating in an activity that might get messy, such as an obstacle course, bring a change of clothes.
- Map or GPS: If you’re hiking or exploring a new area, bring a map or GPS device to help you stay on track.
- Bug Spray: Bring bug spray to keep everyone comfortable if you spend time in an area with bugs.
Packaging these essentials will prepare you for a successful and enjoyable fitness activity with your family.
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