Fitness Is a Family Affair

Top 3 Tips to Juggle Family, Fitness, and Life

By Taylor Ryan

"How on earth am I ever suppose to juggle family, fitness, and life?!"

That's the question I get from men and women all the time... Especially those with families…

Because, let's face it. Life is crazy: after getting everyone off to work and school, you then have to get yourself to work on time. Then you need time to pick up the kids, drop them off at whatever after school event they have today. And don't forget, you need to get dinner ready, help get homework done... and then prepare for bed.

After all of that, were you able to get your great workout in?

I know what you're thinking... we're too busy to exercise!

I understand! Of course, you're busy! I also understand the stresses of a busy schedule. But having a way to deal with the stress is really important too. And one of the best things is to workout! Plus, working out isn't a chore, or at least it shouldn't be. You don't have to workout in the gym to get great benefits (like fat loss, toning, improved energy, and health).

Still not motivated enough for yourself? Well, then think about your kids... the habits and activities you do or don't do will overflow on to them as well.

If you don't exercise, what's the chance your kids will want to?

I'm sure you can see why it's so important to make fitness a family affair—not just to keep yourself healthy but to keep your kids healthy as well!

Now the big question: How do you add exercise to your overflowing plate?

3 Ways to Make Fitness a Family Affair

1. Plan fitness time: Set aside time and write it in your day planner.
   
   For example, make after dinner the designated time to lace up shoes and head out the door for a bike ride, jog (let the kids ride bikes), tag football... the list goes on and on! (See some great family fitness ideas below.)
   
   You don't have to spend hours with this... just get out for 30 minutes! Instead of watching Friends re-runs after dinner, turn off the TV, and do something active. This is going to be great for the kids to see you do. It is a great way to bond, and it's helping you create healthy habits for everyone, including yourself!
   
   
2. Restrict TV time... studies show that the less time kids and adults spend watching the tube, the more likely they are to be fit and active. When I was a kid, there wasn't the choice between playing outside or watching cartoons... If the weather was fair, we were forced to go play outside.
   
   With the Wii, Playstation, and whatever other game systems are available, kids are frankly becoming more lackadaisical, but don't let them. Have set times for TV (that includes those games), and set times for outdoor play.
   
   
3. Go Team... athletic teams are a great way for kids to not only stay (or get) in shape but to also learn about team work, being committed to something, and learning about competition. These are great and important skills to start learning early!
   
   And there's no bigger confidence booster than you standing on the side lines cheering your kids on.
   
   
   
   On the flip side... there are more and more adult leagues available for working parents like yourself. If you loved baseball or soccer when you were little, look into you and your spouse joining a rec intramural team. Heck, there are even sports like kick ball and dodge ball!
   
   And even one step more with sports—some recreation centers offer family intramural sports... to bring aboard everyone for the best sports bonding possible! My advice to you: call up your local rec department to see what kind of intramural sports they offer that works for your family.

As promised, here are some more awesome ideas for family fit time:

• Rollerblading
• Kick ball
• Tennis
• Walk/Jog/Runs
• Soccer
• Tag football
• Bike rides
• Swimming
• Dancing
• Hikes
• Camping/backpacking trips
• Skiing, snow walking/shoeing
• Sledding
• Snowball fights
• Ice skating

These are three of the best ways to bring fitness fun into your family's life. Start setting an example for your kids, so they can continue to have a healthy, fit lifestyle from here on out. The habits of today go deep into the future... corny but true!

With all of these activities, I'm sure you'll not only enjoy a fitter, healthier lifestyle, but you'll have a lot more fun with your family. And that stress… watch it evaporate as you embrace such memorable experiences.

About the Author

Taylor Ryan is a NASM certified personal trainer and the co-owner of the all women's exercise site: The Art Of Weight Lifting. Check out more about Taylor and her latest project by clicking: Women's Fitness Training.

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