Family fitness

Q: This summer I focused on fun activities for my family to do together to help us lose weight and get fit. Now that the kids are back in school, how can I keep the exercise and activity schedule my family enjoyed this summer with our hectic school and work schedules. Not only did we enjoy the quality time, my family actually stayed fit during summer break. Any suggestions?

A: You have the right idea. It is a fact that families who exercise and are active together lower their risk of obesity and other medical conditions associated with obesity. Busy schedules and other forms of entertainment have placed exercise on the back burner. With creative thinking you can get your family up, moving and staying fit even during the busiest times.

Make time within your family’s schedule to meet together. Set aside time that will be uninterrupted and allow for everyone to be involved. This may be challenging at first, but do your best to motivate the whole family to participate.

Be creative with the activities you find for your family to do. Get everyone involved in the planning to include the interests of each family member. Be sure that everyone can participate in the chosen activities. If you have children of varying ages, be sure that the youngest to the oldest can all enjoy the activities.

Walking or bike rides after dinner, swimming, skating and roller blading, and sports such as tennis, golf and basketball are great ways to get moving, but don’t forget to consider the fatigue and tiredness of your family after school and work. You may decide to engage in these activities on the weekends.