But don't expect your kids to understand -- or even care -- about those things. Your job is to make them see that moving more is fun. WhenHere are five ideas for family fitness that can get you all moving.Set aside 30 minutes three times a week to do fun exercises with your kids. Make it a part of your after-school or after-dinner routine. If your kids are young, they might like hopscotch or hide-and-seek. Kick a soccer ball around or shoot hoops with older children.
Also plan at least one family activity every weekend. It can be as simple as taking little ones to the playground -- or as challenging as an all-day hike with your teenager. A key to getting kids moving is to plan time for physical activities. You can find that time by turning off the TV, for starters. Then offer a variety of family activities, both competitive and noncompetitive. When kids explore different ways to move their bodies, they can find exercises they enjoy and want to stick with for the long run.Use muscle power: Bike or walk to the grocery store, library, or to your child's school or sports events.
Any large gathering of kids is also a great chance to play a team sport. Just head to a nearby soccer field or basketball court. Other active party ideas: a pool party, in-line or ice skating, or climbing at an indoor rock gym. At family or holiday gatherings, turn off the TV and take a walk around the neighborhood or go for a short hike at a local park. Or get everyone outside for a game of catch or basketball.Set aside time for household chores and do them together as a family. Play music as you clean, and take turns choosing favorite songs. Younger children love to help out and can pick up toys or sweep floors while dancing with the broom. Older kids can dust, vacuum, and help make beds.