The days are getting colder and we are all looking at ways to snuggle up and keep warm.
However, as a family it’s still very important to stay active. The best way to do this is to set put togther a family plan that includes physical activities.
Children spend an average of 3 hours a day watching screens and many teens and children do not get regular weekly exercize.
Children should, ideally spend 1 hour a day outside, engaged in play and vigorous activity. Adults need 30 minutes exercize a day to stay healthy.
So, exercising as a family is not only benefits our health but it also teaches our children how to become healthy adults.
How to set out a physical activity plan for your family
With so many other things to do a week, taking care of everyone’s physical health may seem really overwealming but this is where a good schedule will help co-ordinate your family and keep you all physically healthy.
So, how do you set up a physical activity plan for your family?
- Existing activities – examine which physical activities your family currently take part in. Prehaps your child does an extra mural, you enjoy an evening run or your family hikes each Sunday. Chart these into your plan first.
- Options – for those families not yet active, or for the families wanting to add more activities that include all family members sit down and brainstorm some activities first. Make a list of options that meet your family dynamic, interests, energy and physical level and that are age appropriate.
- Time limits – set time limits to how much physical activity you wish to participate in each week. This could be a 30 minute walk or a 1hour hike. By having a time limit it will help the less enthusiastic members of your family to complete the activity. This also sets the basis to physical activity becoming a habit in your weekly routine.
- Be flexible – Remember that life happens and many factors could determine you not reaching your goals for the week. Mood, health, weather or other engagements. Instead of feeling guilty or frustrated rather enjoy your family in a less demanding way.
Some low cost family activities
Not every family has the resources to join gyms, add additional extra murals or endulge in new exercize equipment.
But
Every family can enjoy these low cost and free activities to become healthy.
Low cost family activity ideas
- Walking – walk around your neighborhood, in the park, at the beach or walk the dog
- Ball games– winter is the perfect time to bring out those soccer balls. cricket sets or other ball games.
- School yard games – games like tag, hide and go seek or red rover on the yard or park will keep the kids entertained.
- Fly a kite– Cape Town autumn winds are perfect for kite flying. You could make your own first then see who flies their kite the highest.
- Park runs – join a local park run . These are every Saturday morning and great for all ages.
- Beach clean ups – use your physical time to do good and join a beach or river clean up
- Bike rides– family bike rides or scooter rides are great to not only see your neighborhood but to keep fit too.
- Roller skating – Go roller skating, roller blading or ice skating.
- Dance parties– for bad weather you could turn up the music and have a dance party.
There are so many other inexpensive ways to get moving as a family and stay healthy. The goal however is to always have fun.