Being physically active is so much easier when it is your lifestyle. When something becomes a part of the way you live you do not have to try as hard. It seems to come naturally. If your family makes a particular item important then it will become a part of your culture. I see this in so many different aspects of family life. I see families that are into music, scouts, art, church or many other interests. When the topic is something that the entire family does then it becomes a given that every kid does it. The children often do not even question if they should be involved in the specific activity. The activity is a part of what identifies the family.
I have one particular family that comes to mind as I am writing. Unbelievably, they have 11 children. It is actually the largest family in my care. They seem to always be active. The kids play outside daily. They have a pool and use it all summer. Their kids have bikes and other riding items. From a young age they are all involved in organized activities. Most of the kids have played sports in high school. They are not forced to do activities they do not like, but get the opportunity to find what fits them. From my perspective they are all naturally active and it started with a lifestyle that promotes fitness and activity.
So the question is how do we make fitness a lifestyle in our house. I think the first thing that has to happen is that fitness becomes a priority. When parents are buying toys and gifts for their kids, maybe they buy things that would promote movement. Things that promote movement include balls, frisbees, bikes, skateboards, etc. Just go to the sports store and walk the aisles. Be determined that the sports store is where you are buying the gift. Clothes help make a lifestyle. Having more active wear can be helpful for your child’s fitness. The active wear can be sports specific or something for any activity. Joining a gym or recreation center can be a part of creating a fitness lifestyle.
One of the biggest steps you can make to change the culture in your house would be to have weekly planned activities that have the entire family involved. When I say planned I mean the activity is on the schedule. It is an activity that is going to happen. You have found or made time that everyone is available and you are doing something together. It really doesn’t matter what the activity is as long as there is some type of movement. One of the first and easiest things to do would be to take a walk. Even better would be to take a walk in nature. Find a trail or woods where you can go on a hike. How about a family bike ride, or maybe the entire family goes to the park. You could go roller skating. Maybe play pickleball. The list is almost endless.
It doesn’t matter what your family life looks like now. With planning, effort and determination you can change the culture in your house. Sit down with the family and ask them what they are interested in. Make some lists and see what is available and practical for your situation. If you want to make fitness a lifestyle for your family it starts now and It starts with you.
