By Sean Lynam
To lead a healthy life, it is essential to consciously practice self-care behaviors. Exercise is a form of self-care. Self-care practices not only improve the individual’s psychological and physical health but may also improve social well-being. The importance of taking care of one’s health is often emphasized, but the outcome of prioritizing fitness as a family can be even better.
Why is it Important to Prioritize Fitness as a Family?
When each family member practices healthy habits, the home environment improves. Here are some of the primary reasons why practicing self-care as a family is important:
Practical Example
Parents and caretakers like nannies can serve as role models by prioritizing fitness and building effective exercise routines. Children tend to observe and emulate the behaviors of the adults around them. You can instill lifelong healthy habits in the children by providing practical examples to the children.
Strengthening of Bonds
When the family exercises together, new avenues open up for strengthening familial bonds. The family members not only get to spend more time with each other but also ensure that this time together is meaningful and beneficial.
Reduction in Stress
Engaging in exercises and meditation as a family can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Life can be very stressful at times, even for children; it is important to understand this and tackle it.
Increased Resilience
When the health of the family members improves as a result of prioritizing fitness, the family as a whole will be in a better position to face challenges and bounce back from adverse times.
Ways to Make Fitness a Family Affair
If you haven’t tried exercising with your family before, it’s time to give it a try. Exercising does not have to seem like a task. It can be a whole lot of fun. The family can make new and happy memories this way. Here are a few tips to help you get started on the collective fitness journey:
Play together
Kids often hate to exercise, but they love to play. For the kids, playing is their love language. The more time you play with them, the more they feel loved. With some planning, you can make exercise seem like child’s play!
Play, but not just for the kids, for your own fitness too. Even a simple game of catch works! The whole family can play any beloved sport weekly to improve their fitness. You can even arrange some competitions and championships for more interest and fun.
Incorporate exercise into the family routine
Healthy habits can be cultivated with the help and support of each other. The family can set a time (in the morning or evening) for a walk together or some easy bodyweight exercises. Many bodyweight exercises are suitable for ages 5 and above. The younger ones can help you keep count (they love that) and they will still learn as they watch.
Exercising together will help improve the health and bonding of the family. When the entire family tries to stick to set routines and healthy habits, there is more motivation and support.
Support and encourage individual workouts as well
The exercises that the family does together will have their own benefits, but it is also essential to encourage individual workouts. This is because the fitness level, medical condition, and needs of family members may vary. Support the other family members, especially the kids, in pursuing suitable individual exercise regimes. When family members are involved and aware of fitness goals and efforts, it can help an individual remain more dedicated and committed. Celebrate small victories and cheer for each other on the fitness journey.
Conclusion:
When the family starts exercising together, it is important to be flexible and accommodating. Fitness should be a part of your lifestyle and family culture. When it comes to collective health and fitness, there is no magical, instant formula. However, the time that you spend exercising together can turn into magical moments of happiness.
Sean is fitness enthusiast and personal trainer by profession, and a freelance writer by passion. Sean writes and shares his knowledge for a range of fitness publications and nutrition brands.