January is National Family Fit Lifestyle Month
Only about half of all Americans aged 12 to 21 exercises regularly.
With so many of us staying at home more than ever before due to the pandemic, we might all have gotten a bit lazier and less active. And with winter upon us, it is easier to just curl up and stay warm in front of the TV or computer screen.
According to the Healthy People 2020 Report, “more than 80% of adults do not meet the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Similarly, more than 80% of adolescents do not do enough aerobic physical activity to meet the guidelines for youth.”
Make a Resolution!
January is National Family Fit Lifestyle Month and what better time than now to get the entire family to begin establishing healthy lifestyle habits that becomes a yearlong and lifelong commitment. The best role models to teach children about living healthy are the adults in their lives. Choosing nutritious foods and engaging in active indoor and outdoor activities is a great way for spending time with the whole family while promoting the importance of a healthier lifestyle. A family that gets fit together becomes a much stronger and healthier unit. Here are a few fit lifestyle tips:
- Go food shopping together and choose nutritious foods. Discuss the differences and the benefits of eating healthier.
- Make regular physical fitness activity a part of your family’s daily routine.
- Limit the time spent in front of the television.
- Also visit The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition to learn more on how to help your family become fit!
Simple, Fun Ideas for Family Fitness
Family activities and fitness at an early age can go a long way toward helping children form healthy habits for life.
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. When exercise feels like play, your whole family will enjoy it more and be more likely to stick with it.
Here are five ideas for family fitness that can get you all moving:
Make Time to Play
Sing and Dance
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.
Plan Active Family Gatherings
Serve up family fitness as well as cake at your child’s birthday party by planning active games such as tag or relay races. Older kids might enjoy throwing a dance party.
Have a party: 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.
Make Yard Work Less of a Chore
Your Healthy Family: Diet & exercise resolutions can protect you
The month of January is when many of us are focused on putting our New Year’s resolutions into action. If you need extra motivation to get healthy in 2022, doctors say eating right and getting more exercise can help you in the fight against the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Provided by Fox.