Regular physical activity is vital to growth and development, and is necessary to maintain good health. Many parents may find it difficult to fit physical activity or exercise into their daily routine. After working, maintaining the home, and caring for the family, there may not be enough time left in the day to get any exercise. You don’t have to try and divide your time between your family and your health, however. Everyone needs exercise and physical activity, regardless of their age. Here are 10 ways to exercise as a family!
Hike
Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and explore nature as a family. Northwest Arkansas has a wealth of hiking trails that can be as easy or challenging as your family needs.
Family walk
Not only is a family walk a good source of physical activity, it also gives your family the opportunity to talk with one another. Go for a walk before or after dinner, walk the dog, walk to school, walk to the grocery store, or just walk for the sake of walking.
Bike ride
Feel the wind in your hair… or at least feel the wind through your helmet! The Razorback Greenway is 36-mile multi-use trail that extends across Northwest Arkansas. The trail is mostly off-road, which makes it perfect for family bike rides!
Tag or Hide and Seek
Many kids now don’t know these simple physical childhood games. Introduce them to your kids for a fun and easy way to meet your quota for aerobic activity.
Dance party
Dancing is an aerobic activity that’s as fun as it is good for your health. Aim for at least 3 songs, which should put you just at the 10 minute mark. The CDC recommends that you get at least 10 minutes of physical activity at a time to count it towards your daily, or weekly, goal.
Sports
Pick a game that the whole family can enjoy and participate in. Soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, and throwing a disc or ball are just a few outdoor games that you can play as a family.
Go to the park
If you’ve exhausted Hide and Seek, and your family isn’t into the whole sports thing, go to the park! Find a playground, climb on the jungle gym, and use your imagination for some active fun!
Learn a game from your children
Take a break from being in charge and let your children teach you a new game!
Obstacle course
Set up an obstacle course in the backyard or in the house. Take turns running through it and see who can get the fastest time!
Find activities that get the family moving
There are plenty of ways to to have fun that don’t involve sitting for extended periods of time. Play miniature golf, go for a swim, go to petting zoo, or head to an indoor climbing gym.
How much exercise do children need?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children get at least:
- 60 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each day.
- Vigorous-intensity aerobic activity 3 times a week.
- Muscle-strengthening and bone-strengthening exercise 3 times a week as part of the 60 minutes
How much exercise do adults need?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults get at least:
- 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week.
- Muscle-strengthening and bone-strengthening exercise 2 times a week.
The more active you and your family are, the greater the health benefits! Make a regular physical activity a part of your family’s daily routine!