When should you start teaching your children about the importance of physical fitness? When they are preschoolers? Before they are 10? When they become teenagers? No matter how old your children are, the answer is now. Now is the time to make sure your whole family exercises.
Physical exercise is important for everyone in your family. Health benefits include lower blood pressure, stronger bones and muscles, reduced risks of heart attack and an overall longer life. Exercise boosts energy levels, helps you sleep better and gives you more confidence.
The benefits of family exercise are not reserved for marathon runners. Thirty minutes of moderate exercise each day can greatly improve your family’s health. The key is creatively approaching how you and your kids get moving. Forget that “all or nothing” attitude. Break up the time into three 10-minute blocks. Focus on activities that get your heart rates above resting levels.
GET TOGETHER AND GET MOVING
A fun and easy way to stay healthy is spending quality time with your family. Exercising together encourages family members to hold each other accountable for fitness goals.
•Is your children’s school less than a mile away? Let them walk. If you have safety concerns, walk with them or find other families on your block to join you.
•Take a 15- to 30-minute fitness break when everyone gets home at the end of the day.
•Take a walk, jump rope, go sledding or skating or play an active Wii game.
•On family errands, park your car at the far end of the parking lot to get added steps.
•Walk or bike to the grocery store, bank or library when you can.
•Join your kids on the playground at the local park.
•Sign up for family fitness or aquatics classes. As you plan activities, get input from each family member. Simple events such as a hike on a snowy nature trail or an outing to a local gym’s family night not only get everyone moving, but also create memories you can share for a lifetime.
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| Zumba for a Cause |
Physical exercise is important for everyone in your family. Health benefits include lower blood pressure, stronger bones and muscles, reduced risks of heart attack and an overall longer life. Exercise boosts energy levels, helps you sleep better and gives you more confidence.
The benefits of family exercise are not reserved for marathon runners. Thirty minutes of moderate exercise each day can greatly improve your family’s health. The key is creatively approaching how you and your kids get moving. Forget that “all or nothing” attitude. Break up the time into three 10-minute blocks. Focus on activities that get your heart rates above resting levels.
GET TOGETHER AND GET MOVING
A fun and easy way to stay healthy is spending quality time with your family. Exercising together encourages family members to hold each other accountable for fitness goals.
 |
| Zumba for a Cause |
•Is your children’s school less than a mile away? Let them walk. If you have safety concerns, walk with them or find other families on your block to join you.
•Take a 15- to 30-minute fitness break when everyone gets home at the end of the day.
•Take a walk, jump rope, go sledding or skating or play an active Wii game.
•On family errands, park your car at the far end of the parking lot to get added steps.
•Walk or bike to the grocery store, bank or library when you can.
•Join your kids on the playground at the local park.
•Sign up for family fitness or aquatics classes. As you plan activities, get input from each family member. Simple events such as a hike on a snowy nature trail or an outing to a local gym’s family night not only get everyone moving, but also create memories you can share for a lifetime.
 |
| Zumba for a Cause |
Don’t wait until the kids are older or the weather is warmer.
Get moving and get healthy today.
Reference:
Nicole Pratt Associate Childcare Director, Spartan Stores YMCA
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