If you’ve been reading my blog, you’d probably agree that my main focus has been on weight training.  While going through my past posts, I found myself thinking, “well what about the kids?”  Maybe not in those exact words but I realized I have neglected the family aspect of fitness and nutrition. 

Growing up in my home, I can’t say that physical family activities were a number one priority.  When I was in elementary school, I used to always tell people, “My mama is a great cook!”  Now, combine the lack of physical family activity with “my mama is a great cook” and you get an overweight teen and an obese adult.  At least that’s the way it was in my case.

So what can you do as a family that is both fun and helps promote physical fitness?  “Fun” is the key here.  As a family, if you are trying to promote physical fitness and it isn’t “fun”, it ain’t gonna stick.  Hopefully these ideas will make something that can be very boring for your family both fun and healthy!

1.)  Try Rock Climbing 

No, not ‘real’ rock climbing!  Check your area for a rock climbing gym.  The chances are that you will find one.  If you’ve never seen a rock climbing wall, just look at the picture above.  The rock climbing facilities use harnesses and pulleys to assist you if you need it and catch you should you slip.  It is completely safe…and fun!  If you have one in your area, just try it.  You won’t be sorry…but you may be sore!

2.)  Frisbee Golf

Frisbee golf , or disc golf, courses are probably more prevalent than you think.  Usually, these can be found in your local parks and it is probably free to play.  If you aren’t familiar with it, it is really just golf with a Frisbee.  Each “hole” has a tee box and a elevated basket where your Frisbee must land in order to finish the hole.  I can attest that it is a blast!  Don’t have a Frisbee golf course?  Just get out and throw the Frisbee…it’s a blast as well!

3.)  Participate in a Walk/Run Event

They’re all over the place!  Some are free, some have an admission fee but all are fun.  It’s a great time to get the family together and take a great walk for a good cause since many of them are for charity.  It doesn’t matter if you walk or run.  Either way, it gives you good, quality, active family time.

4.)  Go Camping and Hiking

In my opinion, if you’ve never been camping then you’re really missing out on a lot of fun.  Camping gets you out from in front of the TV and in the great outdoors.  There are many national parks that have campgrounds all over the US.  Along with those campgrounds come some great hiking trails.  I’m lucky enough to be close to the Appalachian Trail which is home to some of the best camping and hiking anywhere in the continental US.  My advice is don’t do this on a whim.  Do some research.  Find the best camping spots and trails.  Map out your hiking ahead of time.  Make sure you pack all the essentials.  In other words, plan ahead!

5.)  Go Swimming

Ok, yeah, this one is a no brainer.  Swimming is great fun and great exercise.  Maybe you’re local YMCA has a pool or you have one in your neighborhood.  Don’t just go and lay out for a tan, though.  Get in there and splash it up!  Swimming is a great full body workout as well as a cardio workout.

6.)  Get Wii Fit

I know, I know, it’s a video game but it’s a very GOOD video game.  Obviously you’ll need a Wii system as well as the Wii Fit bundle so it isn’t exactly cheap.  Regardless, it makes remarkable strides in bridgeing the normally sedentary gaming lifestyle with an overall fitness program.  Not only does it lead you through strength, balance, and yoga exercises but it also keeps track of your progress and gives you an overall Wii body assessment.  You’re kids will love it!

7.)  A Simple Evening Walk

Don’t underestimate the power of a regular evening walk.  It’s a great time to spend with the family and burn those dinner calories at the same time.  Best of all, it doesn’t cost anything and you can do it with kids of any age. 

8.)  Tennis

This is something I’m not very good at but my kids love to play.  You’re family may not ever reach the level of taking on the Williams sisters, but you can have your own little family Wimbledon.  Tennis will give you one heckuva cardio workout and is also a great calorie burner.  Have you ever seen an overweight pro tennis player? 

9.)  Yardwork

Some people absolutely love yardwork.  I am not one of them.  However, now that my son is older, he enjoys spending a weekend day in the yard with Dad.  We mow the grass, trim the hedges, clean out the carport…whatever needs to be done.  The best thing?  Not only are we active but I’m solidifying a bond with my son.

10.)  Family Dinner Time

I know what you’re thinking.  “This isn’t a physical activity!”  No, you’re right, its not but I think it deserves to be on this list.  If you’re goal is to get your family active and more healthy, the dinner table is a great ally.  Take the time to explain proper diet and nutrition to your family and lead by example.  Use it as a time to engage them and strengthen your relationships as well as educate.  Those that dine together stay together! (Or something like that)

I would love to hear any other family fitness activities you may have in order to build a more comprehensive list.  Please leave them in the comments below.