Michelle Obama told Marie Claire Magazine, “Exercise is really important to me–it’s therapeutic. So if I’m ever feeling tense or stressed or like I’m about to have a meltdown … I’ll put on my iPod and head to the gym or out on a bike ride along Lake Michigan with the girls.” She’s not the only Obama who makes time to exercise though. In fact, the whole Obama family makes exercising a priority according to Celebrity Diet Doctor. Whether it’s riding bikes, WiiFit, playing soccer, basketball, or tennis, the Obama family has the right idea keeping fitness fun and with the whole family.
Walking together after dinner can be a great way to encourage your whole family to stay active. It will help your body digest dinner more quickly as well as burn calories and use up some of the kids’ energy. You can use this time to talk about what’s going on in school, plan a vacation, or decide what you’ll do on the weekend. This should be a fun bonding experience and will only take about 30 minutes out of your day.
Playing a movement-based video game on Wii, Xbox Kinect, or PS3 move can be an entertaining way to keep your family active. There are a wide variety of games to play from sports, to dancing, to exercising. These provide the element of friendly competition and will encourage your kids to get involved. And don’t worry, a lot of these games have simplistic game play and are very easy to learn no matter how young (or not) you are.
Playing outside is an even better way to get the whole family active. Learn a new sport or just get out to kick and throw a ball around. Kids love it when parents act silly or join in on their play. Just be sure that fitness is the goal, let them have fun and try new things; it doesn’t have to be an instructional experience. Hula hoops, balloons, jump ropes and silly string offer ridiculous amounts of physical fun too.
Getting the family involved in household projects is an awesome idea in a variety of ways. Ask your children to help you wash the car. Doing so together is both physical and fun, and who doesn’t like playing in the water on a hot day? Getting the whole family involved in doing yard work is a tougher challenge, but you can still make it a good time. When planning to start a garden, let your kids pick some of the flowers or vegetables and help plant them. The boys might enjoy helping to build a deck, laying pavers, or pushing a wheelbarrow. You never know … the girls may like that too!
At the start, you might have to be the motivator, but once they get used to it, your family might end up motivating you when you need it. There are plenty of other activities to choose from, just find some that fit your lifestyle. You know your family the best, finding the right activities to do together just takes a little creativity. Use these ideas or create your own, but do whatever it takes to get your family involved for fun and fitness!
Information Comprised from:
http://www.beliefnet.com/Love-Family/2009/01/Michelle-Obama-Quotes.aspx
http://www.celebritydietdoctor.com/obama-family-workout-includes-wii-fit/
