Families That Exercise Together - Thrive Together

By Michaela Shoberg

The benefits of exercise are well known and often discussed so it shouldn’t be surprising to read that physical activity is vitally important to children and adults alike.  It might, however, surprise you to hear that only 20-28% of children aged 6-17 are engaging in the recommended amount of daily activity of 60 mins per day.  Considering that regular activity supports healthy development of brain, bone, muscle, balance, coordination and can prevent or delay the onset of many chronic diseases, it is very important that we get kids moving.  Academic success has also been attributed to activity levels. Children who are active are more likely to be active adults, when the risk of chronic disease is even more pronounced.

Hopefully you are convinced to get the kids in your life off the couch, but what is the best strategy?  First, make it fun.  Involving the whole family in games has the benefit of creating bonds as well as getting in daily activity.  Family bike rides, organized games of tag or flag football, dancing in the kitchen are fun ways to get everyone moving.  Activities that are part of your daily routine are great for establishing consistency.  A family walk after dinner, bike rides to school, or walking the dog are great ways to keep active.  Kids are creative, so engage with them to see what ideas they have and what they might enjoy.  A friendly competition can be motivating: a chart to see who can log the most consecutive days of 1+ hours of activity or a week where if everyone hits their activity goals there is fun activity as a prize. 

Second, it is important to model good behavior.  Kids are learning from you every day so the choices you make directly impact them.  This is true for parents but also for aunts/uncles, friends, and neighbors.  Be a good role model for the kids in your life.  Walk, jog, invite them to play and engage in activities that involve exercise.  Go for a hike, play a softball game or capture the flag, or take them to rock climbing gym.  The options are endless.  Make a list of things that you want to try when you get the time.  Check them off.  Discussions on what you did, what you liked, and what you didn’t might open new ideas and narrow down the things that work for you. 

Finally, set yourselves up to succeed.  Make obtainable goals and stick with them.  Get the appropriate equipment to make activities safe and successful.  For motivation, you can sign up for a local team or club.  It helps to get other people involved, friends, family members, and other community members, and commit to them.  Accountability helps with consistency and consistency is the key to making physical activity have a positive impact on you and your family.