Family Fitness Essentials

It's hard enough these days to make time for personal
fitness, but how can you ever find enough time for a
family to exercise together? Everyone's schedules are so
diverse that it becomes increasingly difficult as the
children grow older to find a time that is convenient for
all to meet and share fitness time. But it can be done,
and here are a few tips on how to do it.

1. Identify the time required for other essential
activities. Use a calendar to keep track of all
priorities like school, office, and other fixed and firm
activities. These cannot be changed except for holidays
or if something unexpected comes up. Check out the times
left--like a free evening during the week or a
morning. Ask each family member if any of those times suit
them.

2. Come up with fitness activities that the whole
family enjoys. Some possibilities are hiking, jogging,
swimming, volleyball or any other activity that lends
itself to activity and interaction. Not only do you stay
fit, you also bond as a family by sharing the experience.
Make a list of several options. Ask everyone to vote on
them, so activities are selected which most members in the
family enjoy doing. Make sure that everyone gets to do
an activity they like by alternating the time spent on
various fitness activities over time.

3. Family members will likely have varied needs or limits
that need to be considered when planning an activity.
Make accomodations for differences in age, size, strength,
endurance, and skill. Try to create a win-win where those
who can do more are allowed to while those who need to
do less rest or move to an alternate activity. Plan each
fitness activity in a way that is challenging and fun for
all, but not overwhelming for anyone.

4. Do not obsess about the family fitness schedule. If
someone in the family cannot make it for a particular
session, let the others can continue with the activity
anyway. Don't emphasize competition because those who
don't win may not like it. Fitness activities should be
fun for the whole family and not a burden for anyone.
Keep a flexible schedule for family fitness time.

Family fitness schedules are a great way for staying
fit, spending time together, and having fun with the
family. If you are not already enjoying family fitness
time together, then perhaps it is time to start. Adults
can slow the aging process, children can learn lifelong
habits and attitudes to enrich their well-being, and
many happy memories and bonds can be created in the
process!

Webmaster and writer Arnold Geignert shares his fitness knowledge through his website, Fit Me Fitness. Visit http://www.fitmefitness.com/
for more fitness-related articles and information.