Make Exercise A Lifestyle…An Enjoyable One
There are so many ways we can exercise! It doesn’t have to be hard core Crossfit all the time. What does your family do to make exercise part of your lifestyle? See what great ideas Trish suggests…
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
One of my favorite childhood memories was riding bikes as a family to the nearby college. We would ride all over campus, stopping at the football stadium to climb the bleachers hoping to find leftover plastic cups or other goodies left behind by fans from the weekend’s game. As we would ride home, my brother and I would chatter about the day at school and what tomorrow would bring. I never gave much thought to those family bike rides, other than the thought that it was fun.
Looking back now, I see that my family had created a fun family tradition of exercise that would set the stage for exercise being a fun part of our lifestyle. Let’s take a closer look at some ways that your family can help make exercise a lifestyle – an enjoyable part of your lifestyle!
- Create traditions in which your whole family can participate in physical activity. Maybe it’s a family kickball night in the backyard or a bike ride to your favorite breakfast place on Saturday morning. Our family friends go on a walk around their block each night after dinner. Each child can pick their mode of transportation: walking, scooter, and bicycle. Make sure it’s an activity in which your entire family can participate. These activities can be a great opportunity to talk to your kids about their day. Pretty soon your kids will begin to look forward to your weekly traditions.
- Don’t be afraid to add a little variety. Create a scavenger hunt for your family, go for a hike, take the family to a roller skate rink, or take a Frisbee to a local park. When it gets cold outside, go to a local gym that has a climb wall, make up a garage workout using household items, or turn on the music and have a dance party in the house. Let your kids make a list of different activities they would like to do as a family and mark them off each week as you complete them.
- Try something new. Whether it’s a new sport or a game in the backyard, your kids will learn and grow as they develop new skills. Try new activities as a family. As a family, pick a new activity you would like to try and go for it. Sign up for a fun run that you can do as a family. Train as a family, make matching shirts, and walk/run the event. You might discover an activity that becomes a family tradition.
Whether it’s a daily game or a weekly activity, your family will benefit physically and emotionally as you make exercise a lifestyle. There is something about playing together that bonds a family!
Camper Corner
Take a look at the verses at the top of the page. Our bodies are made to honor God. What are some ways we can honor God with our bodies? What are some physical activities or sports that you would like to do as a family?
