Family fitness will engender good habits and provide a familial network of support. It’s win:win for parents and children to get involved in three family-friendly activities.

More and more families today are overweight. Overweight parents are more likely to raise overweight children and childhood obesity is one of the biggest issues facing our society.So family fitness is now more imperative than ever.

There are a few different things that contribute to this epidemic, and unfortunately, there are no fast or easy fixes for the problem.

Some parents are simply uneducated when it comes to eating healthily and leading an active lifestyle. There is a lot of conflicting advice out there. It can be hard to know what to do for the best especially if you weren’t raised in a healthy household yourself.

family fitness

We’re also much busier than ever before. More women return to work after having children and many families rely on fast, unhealthy food. This appears to be because they either haven’t got the time or can’t afford to cook nutritious and healthy meals from scratch.

Then, there is a lack of activity. Our children spend hours a day sitting in front of the TV or playing on their phones and tablets. They don’t go out to play with their friends, and they have little desire to take part in extracurricular sports.

We try to limit their screen time and encourage them to do other things. But, if we’re completely honest, we’re as bad. We drive even the shortest of distances, we spend most of our time online, and spend any free second scrolling through our Facebook feeds or checking our notifications. We’re not setting a good example for family fitness.

So, it’s more important than ever that we find ways to be more active, together as families. Here are some family fitness ideas that you could try.

family fitness

Swimming

Swimming is an excellent all over exercise. It strengthens your core, boosts your stamina and increases your general fitness levels. It’s also great fun, and if you and your children learn how to swim, you’ll find you are suddenly spending more quality time together, having fun and getting fit.

The best thing about going swimming as a family is that even if you don’t actually swim and instead spend your time splashing about and having fun, the resistance provided by the water means you are getting a workout without realising.

Check out the gorgeous swimwear from Italian-born, Italian designer Enrica Volpi and her Contessa Volpi label.

family fitness

Swimwear by Conterssa Volpi

Walking

Walking is, believe it or not, one of the best exercises that you can do. Try to walk to school and shorter distances, instead of driving. But, also go for walks. Spend time hiking or walking through parks. Talk to each other and enjoy exploring nature.

If you’ve got teenage children, going for walks and getting away from everything can also be an excellent way of getting them to talk to you.

For an excellent range of walking, swimming, bike riding, and all outdoor active wear and equipment try Cotswold Outdoor.

family fitness

Skating or Bike Riding

Exercise doesn’t need to be boring or particularly difficult. Skating and bike riding are great options because kids often take to it much faster than adults. Your children will have brilliant fun getting to be better at something for a change. Just remember to let them enjoy it and not be a bad sport.

Exercise and activity as a family can be fun and a great way to bond and reconnect. It could even help you get that dream beach body. Try to find something that you all enjoy, but the most important thing is to get moving.

family fitness