I try and exercise at least five days a week. Whether I am lifting weights, doing cardio, practicing Pilates, rebounding, or just walking on the treadmill, I feel significantly better when I am being physically active. The truth is, it runs in the family, and I have always had good role models. My brother rarely misses the gym, and my 79-year-old dad rules the pickleball court, then may play a round of golf or hit the gym after that. So, it’s no surprise that our 14-year-old son is now working out and asking to come to the gym with us. As a competitive soccer player, his fitness routine is vital to his performance on the field.
READ: When Your Child Finally Finds the Sport They Love
Exercising with your children offers numerous benefits, including establishing healthy habits, enhancing physical and mental well-being, and strengthening overall family relationships. Time with teenagers can be hard to come by sometimes, so if we can get a little quality time at the gym together, we will take it.
We also have a 7-year-old son who is also very active. We have a basketball hoop in the driveway, and the boys spent a lot of time out there shooting hoops. We also have a little soccer goal in the front yard, and that’s where you will find them most days after school, practicing for their weekend games. I like to think we are setting a good example for the importance of health and wellness since we are a very active family and make it a priority.
Here are some tips to make it a positive experience for the whole family:
Keep it fun. Turn activities into games and make physical activity enjoyable so kids will want to participate. Find a sport they love and practice with them. Set up an obstacle course. Play beach volleyball. Go swimming. Join them on the trampoline. Play tag. Use park equipment for exercises like pull-ups on the monkey bars, tricep dips on a bench, or push-ups on the slide.
