The Benefits of Getting Exercise as a Family

Physical inactivity is a major concern for many in the US. Did you know that 25% of adults and 20% of high school students are not getting enough physical activity to stay healthy. Lack of exercise can increase the risks of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. A great way to get both children and adults more active (and ultimately, healthier) is to get more exercise as a family. Getting into a family exercise routine will have benefits for the whole family, and help good health cross generations.

Families in the Little River, South Carolina area looking for ways to exercise and get healthier have the comprehensive, compassionate help of Dr. Rogers Walker and the staff at Walker Urgent and Family Care. 

Here are just some benefits to family exercise:

You create healthy habits

When the whole family is more physically active together, everyone benefits from helping to maintain a healthy weight, reducing stress, and lowering the risks of heart disease and other serious conditions. And you can find ways to stay active all year round. Doing more walking, taking the stairs instead of an escalator if you’re going shopping, and exercising indoors are all things you can do any time of the year. Getting out and staying active through fun group activities will help create hobbies that will be good for you and your kids for the long term. 

You get everyone involved

Creating activities for the whole family is a good way to stay motivated and keep everyone involved. Make choosing the activity a discussion in which everyone participates so that every person, from mom to dad and every child, stays engaged. This can be in the form of family walks after meals or sitting for long periods of time, having a pool party, or setting aside time for everyone to participate in chores around the house. You can plan outings for indoor rock climbing, roller skating, or just getting out to a ball field to have fun. There are so many possibilities.

You set a good example

When everyone else wants to stay engaged in this special family time, it can help you stay motivated and set the example. Walk or run whenever possible, help others with physical activities when they need assistance, and use positive reinforcement when other family members get more physically active on their own time. Make sure that they know you value their efforts to stay healthy and continue to encourage those habits.

It can help form a family bond

Staying active with your family and encouraging them when they do well helps to keep them involved and can help keep your family close. Bonding can take many forms, like volunteering with your kids’ sports team or learning new activities as a family. These are all good ways to have fun with your family, create moments they will cherish, and stay healthy.

There are so many ways to stay physically active and finding the activities that work for you and your family will make all the difference for their long-term health. If your family is ready to start a healthier life, make an appointment with Dr. Walker and Walker Urgent and Family Care today.