Isn’t it kind of frightening that kids and teenagers are spending a lot more time indoors these days? Video games and television shows have some how taken the place of good old fashion outdoor fun. Friends and family that I grew up with thought it was much more for to actually get out and play sports like football and basketball than to it and watch some simulation of it. Hula hoop and jump rope contest certainly brought out a lot of laughter, oh and lets not forget the notorious foot races. Hopefully your not thinking oh this guy must old and lost in time, but hold your thoughts for a second because I quite young.. Like early 20′s young. I honestly encourage families to exercise together, not only does it build family character, but it also gets families in the swing of building good habits. Parents if your leading by example followed by the positive reinforcement of encouraging your kids to exercise and eat healthy while their young it’s more likely that they’ll continue to keep these habits though adulthood. Makes sense right?

Family weight loss plans

I’m not going to sugar coat things, family weight loss plans require commitment, hard work, and careful planing. Hey, but if done right it will lead to some fantastic rewards. Let’s not let words like commitment and hard work intimidate you, by no means am I saying open your fridge or pantry and throw everything away. Starting cold turkey like that is madness.. Instead start simple with things like trading whole milk for 2% milk, I can almost promise you your kids won’t be able to tell the difference. Also fortunately for us companies like Motts® are offering fruit juices packed with nutrients with no added sugar. For adults my personal favorites are V8 Splash® and V8 V-fusion®, well that’s when I’m not using my juicer. As you shop just think of things you can replace with more healthier options, milk and juices are just a few small changes to get you headed in the right direction. The best advice is to take it slow, trying to change your families eating habits over night may lead to you feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.

Family exercise programs

Get out and get active people! The great thing about family exercise programs is you don’t have go out and buy some fancy pants video to actually exercise.. Yes I said it. Do you have any idea how much fun and exercise you can have by going something as simple as going to your local park? The thing that I find most interesting is the kids don’t see it as some boring exercise. Think about the times you played on the monkey bars at the playground as a kid… I’m pretty sure as you climbed your way across you weren’t thinking “I’ll be glad when I’m done with this exercise”, well the same thing applies with kids today. All they know is that they are having fun at the park, but little do they know their getting a really good upper body workout. Ever tired family bike riding? I have and believe me its loads of fun, but once again I wasn’t thinking “exercise” I was just thinking about the fun bonding time I was having with my wife, son, and daughter. Of course you can’t pack out and go to the park every day, so for the days you can’t, try to think of some creative exercises to do at home. My family and I have a pretty neat stretching routine that we all can do, yes all the way down the line to our 2 year old.

The video game thing

If you just have to indulge.. If video games are just your favorite past time and you must have them in your life Wii Fit® and games like Just Dance™ will give you a pretty intense workout. I’ve tried both games with little expectations of even breaking a sweat and boy was I wrong. The Wii Fit® has a lot to offer from strength training, aerobics, yoga and even balance games. As for Just Dance™.. A spin here, a kick there, hands in the air and wave.. Now stop, hammer time! Get the picture?

All and all exercising as a family doesn’t have to be some boring old routine. Exercise and can be pretty fun as a family activity and family weight loss is certainly not as intimidating as it may seem. I say give it a shot believe me you won’t regret it.