We all know how important it is to keep active. But did you know that exercising with your family is the best way to get fit, as it promotes physical and emotional wellbeing?
Getting active together helps create happy memories, teaches valuable lessons and strengthens bonds with the ones we love.
Consultant psychiatrist Dr Soyna Owley says: ‘Families who exercise together see their attachment, social development and emotional management skills improve. They develop flexibility in their thinking, and learn to work together and be more resilient — great skills for life.
‘If children are doing the same as their parents, they’ll feel equal, important and excited. Include your children in deciding what activity will be chosen and try a variety until you find one that suits everyone.’
Living alone? Arrange a time to video call a friend or relative, then exercise separately — together!
Suitable for people of all ages and abilities, here are five fun family fitness sessions to try…
Yoga and Pilates
Tips: There are plenty of great YouTube videos to try. We like Pilates instructor Liz Patient’s weekly sessions with her family. They’re suitable for different ages and abilities, and they’re fun. Search YouTube or Facebook for ‘Liz Patient Pilates’.
Physical benefits: Personal trainer Michelle Ashby says: ‘Yoga and Pilates increase flexibility, muscle strength and tone, which aids protection from injury.’
Mental benefits: Soyna says: ‘It’s powerful to involve your children in activities like this that practise mindfulness and stress-busting — useful tools for positive mental health.’
Jogging outdoors
Tips: Warm up with stretches and wear trainers to prevent injury. Listen to one another to compromise on pace and distance. Even a short, slow jog is good — you can build it up! If you’re living alone, record time and distance on apps MapMyRun or Nike Run Club, then compare with family for a bit of healthy competition.
Physical benefits: Michelle says: ‘Running is great for your heart and can help prevent heart disease later in life. If you can run outdoors, even better — a dose of vitamin D will lift your mood.’
Mental benefits: Soyna says: ‘Studies show jogging outdoors releases anandamide, a neurotransmitter in your brain that promotes a sense of wellbeing. It’s especially good with teenagers who are often reluctant to engage with their parents, preferring to maintain privacy. Jogging can give you space and time to talk.’
Press-up competition
Tips: The aim is to improve your personal number of reps and quality of exercise each time, rather than who can do the most. If you can’t do a full press-up, stay on your knees (box press). Be sure to have cheerleading relatives on FaceTime!
Physical benefits: Michelle says: ‘Great for increasing lower back and core strength, helping to prevent common back injuries in the future.’
Mental benefits: Soyna says: ‘An ice-breaker for all ages and a wonderful way to bond, show a healthy competitiveness, and create positive memories.’
Animal HIIT training
Tips: High-intensity training moves based around animals for the children to enjoy and learn, such as ‘star fish jumps’ and ‘run like a cheetah’ on the spot. Search YouTube for fun, helpful videos.
Physical benefits: Michelle says: ‘Interval training is great for burning calories, building strength and reducing blood pressure.’
Mental benefits: Soyna says: ‘A playful way to engage and keep fit with your children and grandchildren. It demonstrates a willingness to play at their level, which in turn fosters trust.’
Dance
Tips: Stick on your favourite songs and encourage half an hour of freestyle dancing. Bonus points for virtual discos with relatives who can’t be in the room.
Physical benefits: Michelle says: ‘An all-round, feel-good cardio boost. Great for coordination and motor skills.’
Mental benefits: Soyna says: ‘Dancing can be modified easily into a game for younger children or a competition for older ones, and creates a sense of wellbeing and bonding.’
Edited by Kim Gregory
Follow Soyna on Twitter @owleys and find Michelle at michelleashby.co.uk