An active life is a healthy life. When you and your family are active, you prevent the risk of needing extensive medical or surgical help in the future. But not everyone can afford to get a membership at a gym. So, what can you do to make your family more active and healthier?
- Give your children toys that make them move
Toys like frisbees, balls, hula hoops and skipping/jump ropes are fun and healthy alternatives to other toys. They create conditions where kids can play while moving about. The great thing about these toys is that kids of all ages can use them and keep their bodies fit and healthy. - Work or watch TV standing up
Most of us are in desk jobs these days, where we sit in front of the computer for 9-13 hours every day. But this can have a really terrible impact on your health. So how about standing up and working for about 15-20 minute stretches every two hours? These days, you get height-adjustable tables, which you can use to ensure your laptops are at the right height for you to work standing up.
Similarly, walk around the room when watching TV. You can set a timer for this. For example, you are on your feet for the duration of an entire episode. - Walk as often as you can
Speaking of walking, make it a habit to walk places, instead of using transport. From buying groceries to getting to your office, if you can walk, do so. If you can’t walk places, consider investing in a bicycle. That’s much better than using an automobile and it’ll give you a great cardio workout. - Skip the elevator and take the stairs
Many of us tend to take the elevator to save time. But this poses the risk of making us inactive and increases our vulnerability to obesity and other medical conditions. By choosing to take the stairs instead of the elevator/escalator, you give yourself the chance to become active.
If you’re not going out and are at home, consider climbing the stairs a few times each day. For example, 10 sets of climbing up & down every day to keep yourself and your family active. Make this fun by putting on some music or singing songs when climbing the stairs. - Use your water bottles as weights during workouts
That’s right! Your full water bottles can double as weights when you want to work out. Try and find bottles that weigh equal, hold them in each hand and start your exercise. You get so many free workout apps like Nike Training Club, Addidas Training Club & Puma Trac, where you have numerous weighted and body-weight workouts to choose from. - Give each family member a household chore
Chores are one of the best ways to get your family moving. You can consider allocating certain chores to each member of your family. For example, one person is in charge of weeding the yard, another must iron & fold the clothes, the third should sweep the floors etc. If you’re looking for a chore that gets the entire family together – wash your car. There’s nothing more fun or active than spraying water and soap bubbles on each other, while cleaning your vehicle. - Try to hit a particular step count every day
If you have a smartwatch, set a step count limit for the day and try to meet it before you go to bed at night. If you don’t have a smartwatch, measure how many steps it takes for you to walk across your yard or your room or even your entire street. Multiply that 10-15X and set that as the step count for the day. - Dance together as a family
Yup, this is a super fun and super cool way to keep your entire family active. Just play your favorite track and dance like no one’s watching. Not only is this activity great for your health, but it also brings the family together. - Encourage everyone in your family to take your pet for a walk
Finally, encourage each person at home to take your pet for a walk. Let everyone get their turn with your pet. That’ll be a great way to ensure your entire family – pet included – is more active.