Family fun time doesn't just have to be about sitting around playing board games. You can use family time together to encourage physical fitness and help parents and kids alike avoid the negative effects of weight gain and obesity. Coming up with a list of family fitness ideas will ensure that you'll never run out of fun activities to do together.
Do Gardening and Yard Work Together
Whether it's planting a family garden, participating in a community garden or just performing basic maintenance of the yard together, getting out in the outdoors with some fresh air while performing manual labor is always an easy way to burn calories. Plus you're spending time together as a family and working towards a common goal. If you plant a garden, you will be able to enjoy the fruits of your labors -- literally -- when harvest time comes around.
Join a Family Gym
Many gyms have family plans and family programs that allow you to work out together, but give you equipment and class options you can't get at home. Research the various gyms in your area to figure out what family discounts, programs and activities they offer.
Ride Bikes Together
Most kids love to ride bikes, and parents can join in on the fun and make it a family affair so everyone can get outside and burn calories together. Have your children show you their favorite bike rides through the neighborhood or get out in the country where you can all enjoy some fresh air together. Challenge each other to races to get your heart rates up.
Do a Step Challenge
Buy some inexpensive pedometers for the whole family and issue a challenge. See who can take the most steps every week, and give away a simple prize for the person who records the most number of steps. Put up a chart in the house so everyone in the family can see each others' progress and get motivated.
Play Backyard Games
Whether its backyard sports in the summer or an intense snowball fight in the summer, take advantage of the outdoors right outside your house and the convenience it provides. If you don't have a back yard, find a park conveniently located to your house and play tag football, relay races or catch.
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