The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that children aged between 6 and 17 years of age should participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day. However, research has shown that the typical child spends more than 7 hours a day on electronic devices. As a result, experts have warned that this must be cut back to a maximum of 2 hours for the sake of the nation’s heart health. Therefore, it’s time for parents to take charge by getting their family outdoors and getting fit.
Preparing for your new lifestyle
The great news is that you don’t need any special equipment or access to specific locations to work out together. Simply playing a game of tag at your local park, jogging up and down your street or playing hopscotch on the driveway is enough to get the blood pumping around your bodies. However, the one thing you must ensure is that you’re all dressed appropriately for the occasion. Lightweight, loose and breathable materials are a must and you should always opt for good quality footwear which supports your feet. If you are heading away from home, take a spare set of clothes so your walk home is more comfortable.
Physical and psychological benefits
A vigorous 60-minute workout daily can help you and your family to lose as much as 10 lbs each in just a month. And, while losing pounds and shaping up will leave you looking great, the resulting benefits are much more significant. By losing just 10 lb, you reduce your risk of developing serious conditions, including heart attack, cancer, stroke and dementia and your blood pressure will also be positively supported. Moreover, stress and anxiety levels within family members will reduce and you’ll see your kids sleeping better as a result of the additional energy burned off.
Strengthens the family unit
Health professionals state that parents who exercise alongside their children are healthier and have a stronger family bond. This is because their attachment, social development, and emotional management skills are boosted as a result of spending quality time together doing an activity which releases feel-good endorphins throughout the body. Exercise also shows your children that you are someone they can look up to, as research conducted by the University of Cambridge has revealed that children whose parents are physically active are 10% more likely to work out themselves.
Working out as a family promotes a positive and healthy lifestyle for your children. It also shows your kids that you’re a positive role model who is keen to boost your family’s physical and psychological wellbeing, as well as the family unit.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that children aged between 6 and 17 years of age should participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day. However, research has shown that the typical child spends more than 7 hours a day on electronic devices. As a result, experts have warned that this must be cut back to a maximum of 2 hours for the sake of the nation’s heart health. Therefore, it’s time for parents to take charge by getting their family outdoors and getting fit.
