Fun exercising activities to do as a family this holiday
Parents play a huge role in their children’s upbringing; emotionally, mentally and physically.
The truth is, most of the time, children copy what their parents do. So, if you never work out or eat healthily, it’s difficult for your kids to get into that mindset, especially when they’re still young and living under your roof. And, as we all know, physical exercise has many benefits for children.
Exercising regularly can help them develop strong muscles, reducing the risk of injuries. It improves their cardiovascular capacity, helps strengthen their bones, maintain a healthy weight, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhances self-esteem and more. Therefore, finding ways to help your children get into fitness is important. And what better way of teaching them this habit than to exercise with them in a fun way?
So, if you’re interested to know how you can incorporate exercise into your lives during these holidays, read these top tips.
Sneak workouts in other fun activities
As a parent, you are well aware that sometimes, you have to sneak in a few things for your children. Especially when it has to do with their health. Whether it is sneaking veggies in their food or getting your children a jungle gym as a way of tricking them into exercising. Buying your kids a jungle gym is very beneficial; not only is it fun, but many health benefits come with it.
Wooden Jungle gyms can be a form of exercise, and it can help with their development. This is especially important since the rapid rise of technology and smart devices. Parents find creative ways to help encourage their children to take their eyes off their phones and enjoy playing outside.
Jungle gyms can help keep your children occupied while also giving them a workout. The jungle gym can help build their muscle strength, balance and coordination. You can also make it fun by playing with them. Either by cheering for them when they’re playing on the monkey bars or pushing them on the swings. Many pre-designed jungle gyms come with a tyre swing, giving your child more options to play with.
Start family dance classes
Dancing can be helpful in your quest to get your children fit and healthy. Now, dancing won’t only give you a room filled with laughter, but it will help your children improve their heart and lung condition, increase muscular strength, and physical confidence. You can make dancing a memorable experience for your children, not only for fitness but as bonding time for the family. During the week, everyone is so preoccupied with school and work that finding time where you can have fun together, is difficult. So, now that it’s holiday time, make it count by starting a dance ritual. Who knows, maybe it might stay till the new year.
Start a weekly sports day
Creating traditions is an effective way of making good habits stick. So, why not create a sports day once a week while everyone is on holiday. You and your family can decide on one sport, you all love. Or you can try out different sports once a week. Trying out different sports every week can make things interesting and can help keep your children entertained. Those sports activities can include tennis, soccer, touch rugby or swimming. These are great for exercising and can be enjoyable for kids.
Go hiking
Hiking with your children is an effective way of exercising, helping them connect with the environment and get used to the outdoors while they’re still young. However, hiking isn’t like playing a sport, it can be a lot to take on for small children. So, you need to prepare your kids by following these tips:
- Start with an easy trail
- Make sure you aren’t rushing anywhere else later. Children love exploring, so the trail may take longer. So, take all the time you need.
- Have an emergency kit
- Make sure your children are dressed comfortably
- Plan frequent stops and make it fun
- Hike often if you want it to become a tradition.
Conclusion
Exercising with your family during the holidays is an effective way of instilling fitness and the importance of physical health to your children. As mentioned before, children learn from their parents, and if you practise what you teach, it is easier for kids to follow suit. The holiday season is truly the best time to start, as they are home the whole day. Exercising and playing around can help them with boredom, and it can prevent them from staring at their screens all day.