{"id":7719,"date":"2014-02-27T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-02-27T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/togethercounts.com\/tips-for-family-fitness\/"},"modified":"2014-02-27T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2014-02-27T00:00:00","slug":"tips-for-family-fitness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/togethercounts.com\/es\/tips-for-family-fitness\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Family Fitness"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A healthy family is a happy family, but staying healthy is a team effort. As a partner of the Together Counts\u2122<\/a> program, I am familiar with numerous options for families to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Try boosting your family fitness with these tips.<\/p>\n

Be good role models<\/b><\/p>\n

Do you sit on the couch at every chance? Because if you do, there\u2019s very little chance your kids will be enthusiastic about exercise. As kids imitate their parents\u2019 actions, they\u2019ll adopt an active lifestyle and make exercise a priority if their parents do. Talk positively to your kids about exercise and encourage them to make fitness a part of their lifestyle.<\/p>\n

Actively commute to school and work<\/b><\/p>\n

One US study found that children who walk or bike to school are not only more active, but have better cardiovascular fitness than children who are driven or catch public transportation. If you live too far to actively commute the whole way, do it part of the way instead.<\/p>\n

Play together<\/b><\/p>\n

Kids love it when their parents take interest in them, especially when an activity is involved. Take your kids to the park, kick a ball together, teach them to swim or fly a kite. Socializing with your kids will boost their self-esteem, which makes it more likely they will remain active in their adulthood. As parents, you will also benefit from the active, quality time you\u2019ll spend with your kids.<\/p>\n

Plan for all eventualities<\/b><\/p>\n

All of us have made excuses at some time for why we can\u2019t exercise and stay fit. We may say it\u2019s too cold; or there\u2019s no time; or we\u2019re too tired. But, these excuses are sabotaging our efforts to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Overcome your excuses with a plan. If it\u2019s pouring outside, move your training inside with a workout DVD or a trip to the indoor swimming pool. Or if you\u2019re too tired, make that an extra reason to get active as exercise boosts energy levels.<\/p>\n

Make exercise accessible<\/b><\/p>\n

As an alternative to purchasing video games, DVDs and other electronic equipment for family members\u2019 birthdays, try gifting jump ropes, tennis racquets, soccer balls, basketballs and any other exercise equipment you can think of. Leave them in an accessible and visible position and encourage your family to use them as much as possible.<\/p>\n

Make it fun<\/b><\/p>\n

Fun and creative exercise programs are more likely to get your family involved. So instead of making exercise a chore, make it a fun day out in the park, a family cycling day or a ritual tennis round robin.<\/p>\n

This post originally appeared on the <\/i>Nestlefamily.com<\/i><\/a>. Nestle is a member of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, and is the world\u2019s largest food company with a commitment to Nutrition, Health & Wellness. For product news and information, visit <\/i>Nestleusa.com<\/i><\/a> or <\/i>Facebook.com\/NestleUSA<\/i><\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n

For more family fitness tips check out these resources:<\/p>\n