Healthy Habits: Five Exercises You Can Do with Your Family

-->

Exercise can be boring if not done in the right way. This is why many people choose to sit on the couch instead of getting up and moving. This is especially true of children who prefer video games and watching television to getting active. It may make things more interesting if the family exercises as a group. Here are five exercises that you can do with your family.

1. Go For A Walk. Nothing bonds a family better than spending time together. Taking a short walk around the neighborhood together will provide exercise along with time to talk. Walking after dinner gets everyone moving. It is especially nice to take advantage of nature's beauty as well.

2. Dance Time. This is especially fun for smaller children. One night of the week, a family can create dance hour. Parents can push the furniture aside and crank up the music that has been chosen by each family member. Everyone dances together and enjoys the music. To add to the fun, it may be possible to use funky lighting in the room during dance time. The best part is that no one even realizes that exercise is taking place because the fun level is so high.

3. Pretend Gym. Many households contain different pieces of workout equipment like treadmills or stationary bikes. Instead of heading out the door, a family can establish a home gym. Family members can take turns creating workout classes for the entire bunch. It is cheaper than buying a membership at a professional facility and definitely more fun.

4. Family Olympics. Competition is always fun. A family can create an obstacle course or different competitions and go against each other to find out who will win the gold medal. For example, family members may need to see who can roll from one end of the room to the other in the shortest amount of time. If there are two treadmills in the home, two people can go head to head to see who can run the fastest for the longest amount of time. The possibilities are endless.

5. Turn Chores Into Fun. A family can work together and get a lot of things done around the house. For instance, during the fall season, a family can head outdoors and have fun raking leaves. After a pile has been collected, everyone can jump in it. Shoveling snow in winter can be done in the same way. This not only gives everyone exercise, it also creates great memories.

Exercise is always best when done with other people. There are many exercises that can be done with the entire family. This encourages family communication, increases health, and also is a time to create lasting memories. Any type of activity that gets people moving will work. Using treadmills and other pieces of workout equipment in a creative manner will work wonders to get the family exercising. No matter which exercise is chosen, it will bring a family closer and healthier at the same time.

About the Author:

Joyce G. is a professional health blogger and writer.  She currently partners with Nordictrack.com in raising awareness about the importance of health and fitness. Norditrack, the leading provider of quality treadmills. NordicTrack has come to symbolize the means for serious athletes and fitness-buffs alike to "get ready for adventure," whatever that may be.