Throughout the month of May, we are celebrating National Physical Fitness and Sports Month! The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition is encouraging everyone to #MoveInMay, but remember to continue to practice social distancing while you’re being active. This is the perfect month to celebrate the importance of physical activity in our daily lives.
Sports are not just for the kids, they’re for parents too.
Playing sports helps develop lifelong skills and character traits through friendly competition. Plus, all the wonderful memories we create with the time we spend with our family and friends. Through sports, communities are brought together–they entertain us and improve our health.
For example, one of my favorite sporting events of all time is watching the Olympic Games! Not only is it a proving ground for the best of the best athletes all around the world. But it has also inspired so many adults and children to dream bigger and to dare to try new things. It is a chance to witness the greatness and capability of humankind. And it is an exemplary platform to see the world come together to promote peace and unity.
My Top 6 Tips to Get the Family to Stay Active
Physical fitness is not only for those who are avid runners, bodybuilders, or athletes. As long as you have the green light from your doctor, fitness is for everyone.* Children are recommended to add 60 minutes of daily physical activity, and adults need at least 30 minutes a day.
Maintaining a strong body, along with developing a strong mind, is all part of living a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of disease. Here are my top 6 tips to help get the whole family to stay active.
Build new skills
So many schools are offering virtual learning for children to keep up with their extracurricular classes. For example, my daughter takes martial arts lessons virtually via Zoom. Sometimes as a family we try to follow along in the background to show her support.
Have a family fitness night
Together you can decide what game or sport you would like to play as a family. Our family’s favorite thing to do is to build our own obstacle course! We throw in a mountain of pillows to create tunnels, we army crawl through them, we add ninja rolls, and we even have the girls do some burpees too. Get creative and have fun!
Stream a virtual workout together
With so many options to stream virtual workouts these days, it is a great way to get the family to exercise together. Some companies are even offering free workouts for the whole family.
Family walk, run, jog, or bike
No matter which one you decide to do as a family, this is a budget-friendly option. All you have to do is lace up the sneakers and out the door you all go! If you have a pet, take advantage of walking or going out running together. You can even make stops at certain landmarks and throw in some extra jumping jacks or high knees to get a bit of cardio going too.
Assign outdoor chores or gardening
Involve the kids in yard work, gardening, and other active chores around the house. Have them help you with raking, weeding, planting, or vacuuming. This is a great way to help kids be more hands-on.
Dance parties
This one is a personal favorite! All you need to do is have your kids take turns selecting a song and get ready to boogie! This is a great way to get the whole family moving. My girls love to take turns with the flashlight and use it as a strobe light.
Moms we deserve to move and celebrate our bodies!
“Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.”- Elle Woods from the movie Legally Blonde
As moms, we need all those happy hormones! Being a mom is the most amazing and beautiful experience we will ever know, but it can also drain us. We have the tendency of putting everyone first, and at times we place ourselves last and run on an empty gas tank!
When we exercise, our body releases chemicals that can improve our mood and make us feel more relaxed. Exercise helps us deal with stress better, and reduce the risk of depression. In my opinion, exercise is the key to our mental sanity, especially on the tough days.
Something that I practice and have suggested to other moms, is to look at your calendar and time block. Once you have selected a time and day to do your workouts, set it up like an appointment. We typically do not like to miss appointments, so make it your non-negotiable and reserve it as your “mommy time” to self-care. This method has helped me stay on track and has changed my life for the better.
Moms, you deserve to nurture and take care of your emotional health and physical fitness. Exercising on your own or with your family will help fill your self-care cup.
Let’s stay well together!
*Safety Disclaimer: Increases in your physical activity may impact your health. If you have any concerns, please consult with your health care provider before beginning an exercise program and only engage in exercises that you can perform safely and comfortably.