Photo via Michael L. Baird

Despite the break from classes during summer, this time of year tends to be exceptionally busy for families and kids.   Free time is suddenly monopolized by carpooling, camps, summer programs, games, practices, and all of the other extra activities that pile up on the schedule.  It may be difficult to find time to exercise, cook healthy meals, or even experience quality family time.  Although prioritizing health and family time can be challenging, it is necessary.  Parents need the chance to improve their well-being and children need the chance to develop as both healthy and happy.

We know that exercise is important for not only growth and development, but mental health as well.  Exercise can help to enhance performance at work and improve children’s behavior and focus at school.  Exercising together as a family is a great way to reduce stress, model good behavior to children, and shape the views and habits they will hold for life.  Parents’ actions and attitudes about health will dictate what children view as normal.  Teaching your family to prioritize health can help with finding a common sense of purpose and learning how to achieve a goal.  Whether living a healthy lifestyle is second nature to you or you struggle with motivation and an excess of sedentary activity, family exercise can allow for both bonding time and the chance to embrace the importance of health and fitness.

Here are a few examples of activities that will help create traditions with family and show kids the importance of daily exercise in a fun and unique way:

• Check out your local event calendar for family-friendly, activity-based fun
• Instead of eating out, pack a picnic and take a hike
• Sign your family up for a charity walk, run or bike ride
• Learn new skills together by taking family lessons (yoga, tennis, boxing)
• Train and sign up together for a mud-run, triathlon or fun run
• Have a friendly competition based on number of steps taken per day, recorded on an activity-tracking watch
• Take a day trip that involves outdoor activities like biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, ropes course, etc.
• Do a family night at a roller blading rink, rock climbing facility, laser tag or bowling business, trampoline gym, etc.
• Get some extra vitamin D and fresh air by heading to an outdoor track or field to run races, throw a football or baseball, kick a soccer ball, etc.
• Find a fitness club or community center that offers family workouts
• Plan a family and friends game night that involves plenty of activity: Frisbee, basketball, soccer, freeze tag, flag football, etc. 

To learn more, visit St. Vincent Sports Performance