Fitness Book

What easier way is there to get motivated to exercise – and stay motivated to do it regularly – than to do it together? Exercise can then turn into a bonding experience rather than a chore. When couples or families exercise together, it can help everyone stay on track.

With Your Partner

Need help getting off the couch? Nothing is better than a motivated partner, or someone who can remind you of the commitment you’ve made to exercise.

 

When you have someone you can partner up with, exercise can be more fun. You can take up sports that require more than one person, such as tennis or basketball. Also, taking an aerobics class with them can allay shyness, and in the martial arts you’ll have someone to spar with. If you go for the gentler approach, such as yoga or Tai Chi, someone can help you with your form when you’re not in class.

 

Also, some healthy competition may keep you going. Don’t try to one-up each other, as that can cause strain in the relationship, but having someone to cheer you on – or better yet – join you as you add that extra mile to your jogging routine is a added motivator to push your comfort zone.

 

Even if you merely take your partner along on a brisk walk, it can give you a chance to catch up, to relate with each other and bond. It can make the time go faster and easier, and turn something that some people may consider a chore into a real pleasure.

 

With the Kids

Children, especially young children, are seemingly never out of energy. But parents often take it for granted that their kids are getting the exercise they need. Video games and movies often act as a babysitter, keeping kids sedentary. But in order to develop into healthy, active adults, these days they need some encouragement to leave the technology behind and get moving.

 

Because everyone benefits from exercise, make it a family thing. Corral everyone, get them into the family van and head to the park. Bring balls, Frisbees, and bikes – this kind of unstructured, but supervised, play can instigate learning and bonding opportunities. Hiking can be as educational as it is athletic. Kids love learning about nature.

 

The easiest way to keep your child active in a structured, supervised environment is to enroll them in sports. There are so many different sports to choose from, and one is sure to peak your child’s interest. Take an active role in the sport – don’t just drive them to practice, drop them off and return to pick them up. Volunteer to help the coach – or even become a coach yourself. Watch the practices so you can encourage and supplement the development of their skill. Engage them in mock games at home, encouraging their interest by being involved yourself. Make their sport interest into a family interest.

 

With Aging Parents

 

We need quality time with our parents, who may not be able to do things unaccompanied or unassisted. Getting aging parents out and about is good for their body, and for their mind. And it is a fine way to keep the bond going.

 

For seniors, the simplest exercise can be the best – walking. Aerobic exercise gets their heart pumping and their muscles moving, which can improve their heart health and their sense of balance. Taking even one short walk each day can make a big difference in their health. Swimming is another good exercise that is gentle and effective. Check out the water aerobics classes at your local recreation center or YMCA. And bring the kids along!

 

While improved balance and flexibility can be the byproduct of a regular exercise routine, seniors can also look to some popular imports such as yoga and Tai Chi. These offer gentle workouts that increase your range of motion, and you can join the class too.

 

Exercise Can Bring Everyone Closer

 

Make any time you spend together quality time. Together you can help each other achieve your goal weight or fitness level. You can push each other to learn new skills, or to push yourself a little harder.