Family That Trains Together
Parents and children alike in America share a common challenge: a significant portion of us are not getting enough physical activity. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, fewer than 5 percent of adults manage to fit in 30 minutes of exercise daily, and merely one-third of kids engage in regular physical activity.
Now, it’s time to channel Sister Sledge and shake things up! Whether you’re struggling to find time for workouts amidst kids’ activities or the entire family has lost its exercise enthusiasm with the return to school, consider training together.
Of course, younger children might not be ready for high-intensity workouts or yoga classes, but there are plenty of enjoyable options available for everyone—think family hikes, engaging games of capture the flag, or creating obstacle courses at home. Alternatively, you could participate in mud-run events like Tough Mudder, which cater to various fitness levels and ages, providing a fun challenge that doubles as a fantastic family memory.
The CDC advises that youngsters should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, emphasizing the importance of keeping it playful. “A family that plays together stays together, and if that play involves exercising, that’s even better!” remarks Grayson Wickham, DPT, CSCS, founder of Movement Vault. Children learn by observing, so if they witness you enjoying physical activity, it may shape their perspective on fitness positively. Wickham recommends referring to exercise as “playtime” to foster that association.
“Infusing fun into fitness encourages a lifelong passion for health, which is critical given the rising rates of childhood obesity,” adds Wickham. “The benefits of exercise are unmatched by any medication.”
In addition to making exercise enjoyable and promoting health, family workouts allow kids to experience success every time they engage in physical activity, which aids in building their confidence and leadership abilities. The relationship-building aspects? Those are just delightful bonuses.
If you want to join in on the active fun but don’t have children, feel free to bring your dog along—after all, they love to play too, especially in muddy conditions.
