Keeping fit as a family seems more challenging now than ever. But it doesn’t have to be. I don’t believe that the start of the school year means an end to the family fun. While scheduling gets tight and our calendars start filling up, I think it’s crucial to maintain a healthy routine of keeping family first. Our city has so many opportunities for fun family fitness that are both safe and physically beneficial! Many of these opportunities our just outside our front doors!
I can’t help but feel that setting an example for our children with healthy eating habits, regular activity, and exercise is our jobs as parents. And as parents, we have the power and the wisdom to instill the value of a healthy life style into their daily lives now. We just have to make it a priority. And seriously, what better way to make memories and bond as a family?!
Some of my best memories from childhood are riding bikes after dinner with family and playing kickball in the street. Some of my best times with my adult step children and foster baby are the hikes we take, the adventures we go on, and the evening strolls before bedtime. Keeping fit with your family is a chance to experience adventures together. It’s a chance to talk with one another. It’s a chance to unplug from the world and value each other.
Recently, I came across the following quote and it really struck a chord with me as I enter the fall season of busy schedules, work, and long to-do lists.
“Instead of saying, ‘I don’t have time.’
Try saying, ‘It’s not a priority.’ and see how it feels.”
I had to let it sink in for just a moment. It really comes down to choice. It comes down to evaluating what’s most important for us as a family. Do we really need to pack our schedules so full just to keep up with society and the demands of our American life styles? Probably not.
Giving our children the time to explore the outdoors and learn about the value of healthy living is an investment in their future. It’s a gift that will keep giving for their entire lives. Sometimes it’s just a matter of switching off the digital devices for some scheduled activity time. Sometimes it’s a matter of sitting down together as a family and deciding what’s most important.
They say it takes 30 days to create a new habit. So maybe give it a try! Start with some family fitness time one day a week. Put it into the calendar and make it a priority! Not only will it benefit your health, it will also help your family bond. I’m grateful for my childhood. Will our kids be grateful for theirs?
So check it out! New Mexico has countless opportunities for getting outdoors and living healthy! Take advantage of it! You’ll be SO glad you did!
Below is a list of family fitness activities you can try together.
The trails along the Bosque are close and offer a great getaway for an evening stroll. The trails in the Sandias are great for weekend hikes. Always check updated news on the trails before driving out to the Sandias. You can see updates on trails, warnings, and weather patterns here.
Biking takes a bit more effort to get all the bikes to the trails, but the Bosque Trails offers wide trails for the entire family. Downtown ABQ also offers bike rentals to tour around the city for you and your older children.
Sometimes, just a walk after dinner is perfect! How about scheduling an evening stroll this week down one of the Bosque trails or down your neighborhood with the family. You might meet a few new neighbors!
You Tube could be your “go to” for this one! Search ” Kid Friendly Workouts.” or “Family Workouts”
This is really a fun way to get the kids moving. There are already made printables and with little prep you and your kids could schedule this fun activity once a month.
While this one entails a bit of expense, it’s a definite favorite of mine. Rock climbing is such a great workout. I have seen toddlers scaling the walls here! It’s also a great stress reliever! That is . . . if you’re not afraid of heights!
