How to Start a Family Fitness Program

Starting a family fitness program, with fitness goals that you and your family can do together, can get everyone in shape! Committing to a family fitness resolution can be as easy as a series of daily activities to get bodies in motion. Consider the following family fitness ideas.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Take a daily walk. If you live in a climate where the weather is nice
   year-round, then you’ve got no excuse to walk! If you are restricted by poor weather, try and integrate walks as the weather allows or invest in a treadmill.
2. Do a morning and/or evening stretch to increase flexibility and reduce stress. Whether it’s a formal yoga routine or simple stretching, you’ll feel the benefits.
3. Try out fitness videos or DVD’s that feature fun dance routines or gentle stretching the whole family can participate in. Renting from an online service or video store lets you test the DVD before making a purchase.
4. Get everyone dancing. There is nothing more fun for a family fitness program than dancing! Spin, twirl, jump and jive – breaking a sweat is optional.
5. Make it a family goal to do something active every day. From simple jumping and dancing, to throwing a baseball or riding a bike, there are plenty of options for fun fitness.

Tips & Warnings

• Focus on fun and your family will be more likely to reach your fitness goals.
• A fitness program gives young children an early start toward a lifetime of fitness.
• Even daily moderate exercise can be a step in the right direction, so don't give up on your fitness goals.