Getting Fit With Your Kids

Everyone knows that exercise is important in order to maintain a healthy body. Obesity is on the rise in both adults and children with rates in the USA for children aged 6-11 at 18% and in adolescents at 21%. In 2012 one in three children and adolescents were obese and this is slowly rising. Similarly, adults in the USA have seen a huge increase in the prevalence of obesity topping the world ranking at 30% of adults in the obese category. Therefore if there are ways to exercise with your children this can benefit the whole family as well as spending that quality time together that going to the gym or classes can take away from.

Outdoor Adventure Parks

Getting out and about with the family is a great way to get fit with everyone without really thinking about it.

 These parks are giant obstacle course's that include high ropes, climbing frames, zip lines and other similar features which are great fun as well as being challenging physically. There is a great emphasis on safety at these parks with all participants wearing safety hats and harnesses so there is no need to worry about that.

The physical benefits of these places are a plenty with the high ropes building balance and coordination, the climbing frames are great to build strength and the zip lines improve mental health with improvements in confidence and self awareness. Often jumping off the high ropes requires motivation from your family and there are great chances to bond with your children in these situations. The whole day will burn huge amount of calories as well as burning calories for 48 hours after because of the muscle work you do climbing and traversing new environments.

Hula Hooping!

Most of us had a hula hoop as a child whether male or female, and if we didn't have one we knew someone who did. And its probably likely that you don't remember it ever feeling like a workout and could hula hoop for hours on end and always have the energy for more. But it has become a new technique for adults to use to exercise with the burn calories and tone up. So if you haven't got one yet go and buy one for both you and your children and you will see some great benefits.

Firstly, hooping improves and tones the abdominal muscles and obliques as your core muscles are working hard to control and keep the rotation moving and keep the hula hooping swinging. Also because you will keep trying it improves your aerobic stamina because you wont want to give up when the kids are out doing you! While hooping you will also burn a great amount of calories.

See Also: Activities for Kids that do not Include Computers, Computer Games, or TV

The American Council has also attributed hooping to give similar benefits to undertaking an aerobics class, so instead of going out, stay in and have some hooping fun with your loved ones.

Indoor Activities With Your Kids

We talked about outdoor centres earlier in the article but particularly in the UK there isn't always the perfect weather for playing outdoors. But there are lots of options for indoor activities that can be active and better than staying at home watching TV on a rainy day. Try roller-skating or ice-skating.

Swimming is also a great way of enjoying a rainy day because you can swim with the children to improve the training effect for you.

Change The School Run

This is probably the simplest way to add some exercise to your daily lifestyle for both you and your children. A simple change to how to take or pick up your children can equal the equivalent amount of time that adults should exercise for per day - 30 minutes. If possible walk or cycle with them to school but it doesn't have to be both ways as I know sometimes you are running late or shooting off to work. But if you can change it once a day and the benefits will be good. It also gives you longer to chat to your children about their school day etc.

Sign Up For A Charity Run

When your children are old enough you can set yourselves a target to complete a charity run. Doing this teaches them about target setting and working towards a challenge. You can all get involved in training for the activity t make sure you can complete it at a good pace and even if you decide to walk it you can spend time practicing and training while spending time together and talking. This will give you time to catch up and burn calories at the same time.

Take A Camping Holiday

I know camping isn't everyone's idea of a good time but hear me out. We all look forward to those few weeks off a year where we can go on holiday and get waiting on but during the kids holidays consider the option of spending a few days camping instead. While camping you are more likely to get involved in activities that will help you get and stay healthy. For example, collecting firewood will burn calories you don't use by switching on a heater or gas cooker.

See Also: Exercise Ideas For Kids You Can Implement At Home

Walking and cycling will play a big part in a camping holiday so is great to do with the children. If you go to a holiday camp and stay on site there will be classes and activities that yo and the children can do together and still get some of those home comforts.

With so much emphasis on technology in children's lives its important to make sure both you and them get the exercise that is recommended. For adults 30 minutes 5 days a week and 60 minutes a day for adults. Try some fun activities so it doesn't feel like a chore!