Ways to get active with your family this new year
Let's declare 2024 a year of better health. We can collectively agree to leave self-neglect and burnout behind and instead, turn our attention to living our best lives. And let's not do it alone this time. Our loved ones, the people we consider family, can join us. Many activities are more enjoyable when done together.
The past year has been one of the most trying for me as a parent and one of the busiest overall. My goal is to slow down and refocus. Physical activity and extensive time outdoors with my daughters is a priority. Nothing compares to sunlight, fresh air, and exercise.
If you're of the same mindset, I've included various ways you and your family can become more active together. The activities range from low to high intensity. Whether you're just starting your journey or getting back on track, there's something to get you started.
Ideas for family activities in NC
1. If your family isn't accustomed to being active, start small. Commit to taking a daily walk through your neighborhood after dinner. It's low intensity and keeps you close to home
2. Just Dance is a great option to get the family moving in a fun way. You can purchase the game or choose the free option and pull it up on Youtube. Kids and teens are more likely to get involved if an element of fun is there.
3. Take younger kids to the park to run wild, ride their scooters, and play games like ring toss. The trick is to play and walk with them instead of sitting and watching. A sure way to move your body and get your heart rate up!
4. Swimming is easy on the joints and has amazing overall health benefits. You can go at your own pace, join classes, or even take lessons if need be. Try community pools and the YMCA, which has memberships at varying income levels.
5. Are sports important to your family? If so, play catch, tag, volleyball, kick ball, shoot hoops, soccer, and even hide and seek or hopscotch in the yard. Make this time mandatory for your family even if it's only 30 minutes per day.
6. Include your pets! They need exercise, too, and this is a perfect reason to get everyone outside regularly. Take your pet for a walk or play fetch. It's movement and that's what's important.
7. Make small changes throughout the day to take more steps if possible. For instance, park farther away, use the stairs instead of the elevator, take the long way to walk to your destination instead of shortcuts. Standing and stretching at your desk after prolonged sitting is an additional means to move around and also improve flexibility.
Take it up a notch
1. If you'd prefer more exertion, try hiking. North Carolina parks have beautiful trails with levels of difficulty ranging from easy to very strenuous. The changing of scenery when hiking is a perk my family appreciates. On more challenging trails, our surroundings definitely serve as a distraction when necessary.
The WRAL.com database is full of references with ideal locations. Start with these articles:
- Get away to nature close by with family hikes at Raven Rock State Park
- Take the Kids: Hanging Rock State Park
- Waterfalls, playgrounds: Three Alamance County parks worth exploring
- Take a Hike: Parks in Raleigh, across North Carolina plan 'First Day' hikes
2. Improve your family's stamina, muscle strength, and flexibility with biking. This can be done in your neighborhood, on biking trails, and even on public roads. Of course, wear helmets and other protective gear no matter where you choose to ride. If your family plans to ride on public roads, check out the NC biking guidelines.
3. Get everyone moving with activities like hula hooping, jump roping and playing Frisbee. These are lightweight items you can use at home or easily carry to other locations.
4. If your family's interested in running or jogging, try joining a running club in your area. You'll meet new people and families who may agree to become accountability partners. This is an amazing form of support when you're trying to develop consistency. And if you're feeling competitive, sign up and train for some type of marathon.
5. Sign your family up for classes that foster movement like yoga, martial arts, dance, pilates, zumba and kickboxing. Be sure everyone has a say so and encourage one another to try new things. These classes are held indoors and outdoors depending on where you live. Check your area's listings for specifics.
6. Chores get everyone moving. Schedule active but productive projects like gardening, deep cleaning, yardwork, cleaning out the garage or other storage areas, handwashing vehicles, etc. Some of these can be done regularly while others can be saved for weekends or school breaks.
7. Commit to trying a new activity weekly. For instance, roller skating, ice skating, rock climbing walls, or mini golfing. You can take turns choosing what's next to keep interests high and mix things up.
- North Carolina Indoor Climbing Gyms
- North Carolina Ice Arenas
- 10 Best Mini Golfing in North Carolina by Trip Advisor
Before you dive into new activities for 2024
When setting a goal or starting anything new, it's important to have a why, a deeply moving reason for doing it. To ensure a stronger foundation and increased motivation to sustain your family's new lifestyle, I've added links with pertinent information.
You'll find exercise benefits, the importance of families being active together, and reasons why activity and sunlight exposure are vital even in colder months. I hope it helps!
