As our reality is fast-paced and interwoven with technology and a lot of being passive, we must try even more challenging to be physically active whenever possible. This is beneficial for us and a powerful way of instilling positive life habits in our children. There is a lot of obesity and all kinds of illnesses worldwide, and a plausible way to avoid them is with a well-balanced lifestyle. A well-balanced lifestyle implies eating a healthy and nutritious diet, sleeping well and being physically active, among other things. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of family fitness and building strong bonds through exercise.
There are numerous benefits of family fitness. The first obvious one is health benefits for the whole family. Then we have quality family time and a boost of confidence and self-esteem. Being involved in family fitness also affects the future positively. There are plenty of ways to be active as a family – more on them later. Being active together as a family is beneficial for building teamwork, encouraging good habits and improving physical and emotional well-being.
- Health benefits for the whole family
Being physically active and engaging in diverse physical activities has many health benefits for the family. For example, if you are physically active a few times a week, you can reduce the risk of developing certain illnesses such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes and obesity. Making exercise a family matter and activity fosters a supportive environment for healthy habits and promotes lifelong fitness. Being active as a family is the key to overall health and well-being. Besides improving cardiovascular health, moderate physical activity can enhance the immune system and mental state. You can do any kind of physical activity you enjoy or go to a fitness studio such as Soulhub together as a family.
- Quality family time
We know how difficult it is to set time for family and friends due to all the obligations we as adults have. There are a lot of things to juggle: work, household and kids. This is precisely why family fitness is a great way to spend time together and something constructive. Being involved in physical activities together is a great way to strengthen family bonds and create memories. Activities such as walking, hiking, riding bikes and playing basketball are remarkable for their physical benefits and promote communication, teamwork and fun. Engaging in such activities allows you to build trust, connect on a deeper level and create a positive family dynamic.
- Boost of confidence and self-esteem
Children who are involved in physical activities or sports from an early age positively impact their confidence and self-esteem. Exercising regularly promotes positive body image and confidence. Children look at their parents as role models, so they learn valuable life skills when they see them setting and reaching their fitness goals. These include persistence, perseverance and believing in yourself. In that way, children start being confident in their abilities. They have a favourable view of life and can live in harmony and balance.
- Healthier and better future
Another thing that has been found is that children who grow up in an environment that stimulates and promotes being physically active have more chances of a better future. Regularly exercising early in life results in strong bones and muscles and a cardiovascular system. Moreover, it helps with learning to be disciplined, to set realistic goals and to look at fitness in a positive light. Children who are used to exercising from childhood are more likely to follow through these habits in their adult lives as well. This is beneficial as more and more modern jobs are sedentary, which can cause various illnesses if not followed by being active, among other things.
- Plenty of ways to be active
Our modern age offers us plenty of ways to be active. To endure in a physical activity or sport, you should choose something that you enjoy doing. That is the key to long-lasting involvement in fitness and a positive outlook on it. For example, you can go for a brisk walk around the neighbourhood, at a park, by a river. You can also hike on a nearby mountain or bike ride around the lake. These are all casual and fun ways to be physically active with your family. You can also play some sport intentionally. You should be flexible and fit these activities with the time you have at your disposal. Sometimes you’ll have more time and sometimes less.
- Building teamwork
As children acquire the most life skills at home, teamwork is one skill they can develop through playing sports. It is also taught and promoted at school as well. However, it will only become a lifelong habit with parents encouraging it at home. By participating together in sports, kids learn to work together with their teammates to achieve a common goal. Children also learn goalsetting skills and accomplishments as individuals and as a team.
- Encouraging good habits
Parents do one of the best things for their children’s health by involving them in being active and eating a somewhat healthy diet. Children acquire these habits and follow them throughout life. Being physically engaged as a family kills two birds with one stone: you spend time together and do something good for your body and psyche.
- Improving emotional and physical wellbeing
As already mentioned, being physically active boosts physical health and benefits mental health. Children are more robust, healthier, and develop quicker by being active. At the same time, their psyche differs from children who are not actively engaged in outdoor play or sports. Children who are used to being active are more confident and have higher self-esteem. They believe they can succeed because they have experienced diverse games and competitions throughout their active play.
When you raise a healthy child with great life habits, you can say you succeeded. So, it’s not about forcing your child to be active and him hating you for that – it’s making your child like it and continue to live by it in adult life as well.