Whether you're regularly shooting hoops in the driveway, taking bicycle rides to the park, or jogging through the neighborhood, pursuing physical activities as a family sends a clear message to kids that keeping fit is a priority. When kids experience physical activity as a basic part of family life, the benefits are plentiful. Along with keeping them physically healthy, it's also likely to enhance their self-esteem, self-confidence, and social skills. Research also shows that when kids are active at a young age, they're likely to stay active into adulthood. One of the great rewards of parents and kids getting active together is that it allows more time for a family to connect and strengthen its bonds.

Getting Kids Interested

The best way to get kids hooked on physical activity, said George Graham, president of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, is to be a good role model for them. "If you enjoy and participate in physical activity, so will your children," he said. Here are a few other suggestions from Graham on how to get the family moving:

• Build a child's interest by asking him or her to choose an activity for the family. Keep in mind, this may be a process of trial and error as kids discover what they enjoy.
• Consider your own preferences, too. If parents are enthusiastic about an activity, it will likely rub off on the kids.
• Be sure to weigh the other factors as well, such as cost, accessibility, intensity of the activity, and, of course, the child's physical abilities.

Keeping the Momentum Going

While it's true that options for physical activity are limited for younger children, parents don't have to leave a child at home just because he or she can't fully participate in an activity. "When my kids were very young, I put them in the running stroller when I went out for a run," said Susan Kalish, author of Your Child's Fitness: Practical Advice for Parents. "As they got older, they rode bikes, scooters, or Rollerblades alongside me while I ran."

As families match activities to their children's abilities and fitness levels, Kalish said parents may also consider which activities will enable a family to be active all year. During winter months, some families switch to cold-weather pursuits, such as cross-country and downhill skiing, ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing. If family members are put off by chilly temperatures, Kalish urges them to try any number of indoor activities—such as swimming, volleyball, or basketball—that may be offered during the winter through local schools, parks, or recreation centers.

Finding Time

For many parents the greatest challenge to being more active as a family is the lack of time. To get around the time crunch, here are a few suggestions:

 
• Look for small openings in your schedule. Even 15 minutes of activity is worthwhile.
• Combine physical activity with other regular activities, such as running errands.
• Replace sedentary outings with active ones. Instead of going out to a movie, go to the local gym, recreation center, or YMCA/YWCA.

Susie Kania, program director for the Cooper Wellness Program, a health management service in Dallas, suggests that families choose short weekend trips or family vacations that are oriented toward physical activity. "The months leading up to the vacation, family members can work on getting in shape," she said. "It's nice to have something to prepare for."

If families are just launching into new physical activity routines, they should consider a pediatric exam for the children and a physical exam for the adults, said Kalish. Once the family makes physical activity a habit, Kalish said they will likely discover a variety of benefits. Not only will their physical and psychological health get a boost, they'll likely grow more connected as a family. "Physical activity is a wonderful way to spend time with a child," Kalish explained. "It's amazing what kids will say when they're running alongside you."

Whether you're regularly shooting hoops in the driveway, taking bicycle rides to the park, or jogging through the neighborhood, pursuing physical activities as a family sends a clear message to kids that keeping fit is a priority. When kids experience physical activity as a basic part of family life, the benefits are plentiful. Along with keeping them physically healthy, it's also likely to enhance their self-esteem, self-confidence, and social skills. Research also shows that when kids are active at a young age, they're likely to stay active into adulthood. One of the great rewards of parents and kids getting active together is that it allows more time for a family to connect and strengthen its bonds.

Getting Kids Interested

The best way to get kids hooked on physical activity, said George Graham, president of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, is to be a good role model for them. "If you enjoy and participate in physical activity, so will your children," he said. Here are a few other suggestions from Graham on how to get the family moving:

• Build a child's interest by asking him or her to choose an activity for the family. Keep in mind, this may be a process of trial and error as kids discover what they enjoy.
• Consider your own preferences, too. If parents are enthusiastic about an activity, it will likely rub off on the kids.
• Be sure to weigh the other factors as well, such as cost, accessibility, intensity of the activity, and, of course, the child's physical abilities.

Keeping the Momentum Going

While it's true that options for physical activity are limited for younger children, parents don't have to leave a child at home just because he or she can't fully participate in an activity. "When my kids were very young, I put them in the running stroller when I went out for a run," said Susan Kalish, author of Your Child's Fitness: Practical Advice for Parents. "As they got older, they rode bikes, scooters, or Rollerblades alongside me while I ran."

As families match activities to their children's abilities and fitness levels, Kalish said parents may also consider which activities will enable a family to be active all year. During winter months, some families switch to cold-weather pursuits, such as cross-country and downhill skiing, ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing. If family members are put off by chilly temperatures, Kalish urges them to try any number of indoor activities—such as swimming, volleyball, or basketball—that may be offered during the winter through local schools, parks, or recreation centers.

Finding Time

For many parents the greatest challenge to being more active as a family is the lack of time. To get around the time crunch, here are a few suggestions:

 
• Look for small openings in your schedule. Even 15 minutes of activity is worthwhile.
• Combine physical activity with other regular activities, such as running errands.
• Replace sedentary outings with active ones. Instead of going out to a movie, go to the local gym, recreation center, or YMCA/YWCA.

Susie Kania, program director for the Cooper Wellness Program, a health management service in Dallas, suggests that families choose short weekend trips or family vacations that are oriented toward physical activity. "The months leading up to the vacation, family members can work on getting in shape," she said. "It's nice to have something to prepare for."

If families are just launching into new physical activity routines, they should consider a pediatric exam for the children and a physical exam for the adults, said Kalish. Once the family makes physical activity a habit, Kalish said they will likely discover a variety of benefits. Not only will their physical and psychological health get a boost, they'll likely grow more connected as a family. "Physical activity is a wonderful way to spend time with a child," Kalish explained. "It's amazing what kids will say when they're running alongside you."