When it comes to keeping active there are so many things you can do, whether it is for just you or as a whole family, or even just for the kids. There are plenty of things available that get you active and you can enjoy. The number one thing you want when staying active is to enjoy it, not break yourself running a marathon all the time, you want to get up and want to do it rather than just going through the motions. This will help you stick with it longer and get more out of it.
If you are looking to get more active and you also want to get your kids more active too, but you are unsure what you can do for you both or as a family, then hopefully, these tips will give you a better understanding of what you can do to remain active more whether that’s on your own or as a family.
Staying Active As An Adult
Firstly let’s start with you as an adult can stay active as you will not be able to do everything with your family, so staying active for yourself is important.
Go to the gym
This is a simple one, if you have the time and motivation to go to the gym and workout then do so. The gym is the best place to go for a workout due to the ability to literally work on any muscle group you want and multiple cardio opportunities. The one thing about the gym is not everyone finds it fun, which can make it hard for people to motivate themselves to keep going.
Workout outside
If you are looking for a cardio workout then a lot of people enjoy working out outside instead of a gym. Being out in the fresh air and nature is a great way to get your cardio in, whether it is running or walking it doesn’t matter as they both can help you lose weight and get healthier. You can also join classes that are held outside if you want to get a more full-body workout, this is great for those that love to be outside.
Change your commute
When it comes to going to work, too many people drive to what is probably a runnable or cyclable distance. If you want to get active while also using time you already have, then changing your commute up so you are walking, running or cycling is a great way to get in your exercise and stay active while doing something you had to do anyway. If you do have to drive to work then try parking further away from the office or your place of work and walk the rest, this is great for those that live a little too far to change their commute options.
Start a hobby
This can be tough to do if you have a family, but finding an active hobby is a great way to stay active and get fit. A lot of adults give up what they love doing for work or a family but if you do have the time then try and take it back up again. This is a great way to get active as it is easier to stay motivated and keep it up when it is something you enjoy.
Keeping Your Children Active
We move on now to helping to get your children active, this can be just them doing it or doing it together as a family, however you deem best.
Get them to go out and play
In this day and age, more and more children are getting tied up in their video game consoles and iPads that they rarely go out and play with their friends anymore. So the first step is to get them up and out to play with their friends and get active as you probably would have as a kid, by running around for hours.
Get them into an after school club
A great way to get them active and also free up some time for you is to put your child or children into after-school clubs. These are great ways for them to make friends while also getting active, it is also a great way to give them a passion, as you never know they could go on and do it when they are older too. There are lots of clubs you could get them into, from gymnastics classes for children to dance classes, no matter what it is there is plenty for them to enjoy. The fact there are lots of options is great because children can be picky so you may need to try a few before one sticks.
Change their commutes too
Just like you can change your commutes, kids can too, they can start to walk or cycle to school whether that be with you or on their own. This gives them a chance to commute with local children they are friends with and also gives them a bit of freedom and independence which a lot of children love. But do not just stop at school try and get them active by walking to the shops or wherever it is you are going for the day, that way you are all getting active together.
Take up a hobby together
A lot of parents love to do things as a family so they can spend time with their children, this can be the same for getting active too. You can look to find an active hobby that you could do together, not only will it help you get active but can help to develop your children’s skills too. Something like hiking is a great way to get active and can be adapted for children too, that way you can spend days out as a family, having picnics, walking places and generally spending some good quality outdoors time together. Find a hobby that you all enjoy and run with it, as it can make some amazing family memories and get you active at the same time.
If you are looking to get more active whether just for you or as a family and you are unsure where to start, then hopefully, these few tips will give you an idea of what you can do to get yourself and your family more active.
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