All families are busy. That’s a fact. As a mother of 4 active children, I know that during the Fall and Winter months it seems like you have even less time. The days become shorter. You spend time rushing around to finish homework, to get to soccer practice, get to theater rehearsal. Do you have your instrument? Your home-work? Don’t forget your lunch!

It becomes an ongoing struggle to make sure that everything is in place and as it should be, and our down time is spent reminiscing about the lazy summer days that now seem so far away. With the chaos that ensues this time of year, it’s no wonder that fitness seems to get placed on the back burner.

But the benefits to family exercise are tremendous.

Working out together not only benefits physical health but can also improve relationships and relieve stress in a fun and healthy way. Studies show family fitness plays a major role in a child's education. According to Medical Daily, physically active children had bigger hippocampi as compared to their less active peers and did better in memory tests. Researchers also determined the different effects that cardiorespiratory capacity, muscular strength, and motor ability have on the brain and how they influence academic performance. (Source)

Unfortunately, many parents live a sedentary lifestyle which prevents kids from fine-tuning their motor skills and strengthening their heart, lungs, and muscles. My husband and I are both fitness coaches and even WE have difficulty incorporating physical activity into our family routine. This is a problem that all families struggle with. How do we find time to stay active?

Here are some tips that I have found work best for me and my family:

Stick to a Routine

Keeping a schedule is easier during the fall and winter months. There are specific times when everything must get done and this tends to stay generally consistent from one week to the next. It’s by knowing my family’s schedule that I can figure out the best times that everyone is free. I consider which activities are the best fit for that time of day and how long we have during that time to all do something together.

Take in the Fresh Air

Yes the weather may be chillier this time of year but I don’t let this stop me from encouraging the whole family to get outside and take walks together. Stepping outside and getting fresh air can be a great way to embrace family bonding as well as implement exercise in your children’s lives.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

I have found this to be a critical component of successfully carrying out family activities. Tell the kids that you’re putting this time aside for family fun time. This will help prevent conflicts from interfering with what little sacred free time the whole family shares. If you make a commitment to exercise with your kids, you’re more likely going to stick to it.

These tips allow for everyone to get involved in family activities. Following these simple steps will not only get your family to be more active and energized, but will also bring you closer to the ones you love the most.

ABOUT DANNY AND DENISE LOCSIN:

Husband and wife team Danny and Denise Locsin are fitness experts that specialize in relationship and family exercise. They are the creators of the Yokebar, which has been described as the ultimate family exercise program. As a busy mother of four, Denise wanted something that was high intensity, but also safe and easy to set up. Finding a system that could adapt to a variety of fitness needs and ability levels was challenging. The requirements became even broader when Danny injured himself and was forced to give up his usual exercise routine.
After much scientific research and testing, Yokebar was born. Today, Danny and Denise train people in the Yoke Training System and also are the founders of Hi5 Produce, a leading corporate produce delivery service located in the Silicon Valley.

For More Information Visit: http://yokebar.com

The Unexpected Benefit of Family Exercise: How to Get Your Family Active Today

Stick to a Routine

Take in the Fresh Air

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

You May Also Like