It’s no secret that exercise and self-care are important for your physical and mental health. But let’s be honest; they’re not always the most fun activities to do. That’s why it’s important to find ways to make exercise and self-care fun for the whole family. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
1. Consider Everyone’s Interests
When coming up with activities, it is important to consider everyone’s interests. Not everyone likes the same type of exercise or enjoys the same things. Some people prefer more high-intensity workouts, while others like something more low-key. One way to find out is to ask each family member what they would like to do or how they are comfortable moving their body. If there are activities that everyone can agree on, then great! If not, try to compromise and find a middle ground.
Another important thing to consider is each person’s schedule. Some family members may have more free time than others. It is important to be respectful of everyone’s time and not plan anything that would be too strenuous or take up too much time.
2. Incorporate Them Into Everyday Activities
Did you know that adults who exercise for 30 minutes daily are 30% more likely to be happy than those who do not exercise? That’s why it’s important to find ways to incorporate exercise into your everyday activities.
One way to do this is to look at what you’re already doing and find ways to add a little movement to it. For example, if you’re going to the grocery store, try parking further away from the entrance so you can get in some extra steps. Or, if you’re watching TV, get up and move around during commercial breaks.
Another way to add exercise into your day is to set aside specific times for it. This could be first thing in the morning, during lunch break, or even right before bed. The important thing is to find a time that works for you and stick with it.
3. Have a Reward System
A great way to make exercise and self-care more fun is to have a reward system in place. This could be something as simple as allowing yourself to watch an extra episode of your favorite TV show if you go for a 30-minute walk. And given that approximately two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese, any extra incentive to get moving is a good thing!
When it comes to self-care, the reward could be something like taking a relaxing bath or reading your favorite book. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something you’ll actually enjoy and look forward to.
You could also make things more interesting by setting goals and betting on yourself. For example, you could say you’ll do 100 sit-ups every day for two weeks straight. If you succeed, you can treat yourself to a new pair of shoes or a massage.
4. Invest in Fitness Equipment for Your Home
If you have the space and the budget, investing in some fun fitness equipment for your home can be a great way to make exercise more enjoyable for the whole family. Treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes are all great options that can be used by people of all ages and fitness levels.
If you don’t have a lot of space or money to invest in fitness equipment, there are still plenty of ways to make exercise more fun. Jumping rope, using hula hoops, and even just playing tag can be great ways to get everyone moving and having a good time.
5. Have a Dance Night
Dancing is a great way to get everyone in the family moving and having fun. Put on some of your favorite tunes and let everyone cut loose. If you have younger kids, try turning it into a game by seeing who can come up with the best dance moves.
You don’t need to be a professional dancer to have a great time dancing with your family. Just let loose, have fun, and enjoy moving your bodies to the music.
Finally, according to an AACD poll, 99.7% of adults believe that a healthy smile is socially beneficial. Therefore, even as you’re making exercise and self-care fun for your family, don’t forget to take care of your teeth. Be sure to schedule regular dental checkups for everyone in the family, and brush and floss daily.