How To Bring Your Family Together For Fitness

Seventy-five percent of the nation's adolescents do not engage in even light to moderate activity on a daily basis, and 25 percent are overweight, according to the Chicago Tribune. With a national obesity epidemic looming on the horizon, America's children are at risk of developing future health problems from living a couch-potato lifestyle.

While it can be difficult convincing your children to turn off the TV or video games long enough for a family fitness session, fitness experts say that parents who involve their children in exercise teach them early on the benefits of fitness to a healthy lifestyle. An article featured in the Chicago Tribune by Ann Douglas offers the following tips for bringing the family together for fitness:

* Find an activity the entire family can enjoy. You have to pick something both the kids and adults in the house can do together. Walking, biking or skating are good choices for everyone, regardless of age, fitness level or ability.

* Choose an activity that fits everyone's schedule. The more convenient it is to work out together, the more likely you will. Try to find a regular activity that you can do close to home and at a time that everyone can meet.

* Make sure the activity is in a family-friendly place. Some health clubs or fitness arenas have age restrictions, so choose an environment where kids are welcome.

* Invest in a pocket-friendly activity. You don't have to go broke to get your family fit. There are many cheap, even free ways to stay in shape. A basketball hoop at the end of the driveway could be one of the smartest investments you ever make, noted Barry Kipnes, author of "The Family Time Workout Booklet," to the Tribune.

* Visit the local park. It's free, kid-friendly and a fun atmosphere for dozens of outdoor games that give you a great workout, such as tag, softball, volleyball, Frisbee, or wheelbarrow races.

* Go for a swim. Swimming works out your whole body, and the weightless effect of the water make it ideal for people who can't exercise under normal circumstances. Jyl Steinback, author of The Fat Free Cookbook from Around the World, and mother of two told the Tribune that water adds a dimension of fun to a workout that can't be found on dry land. "We play water volleyball, underwater tag, basketball, and we have swimming races."

* Take a hike. Walking is perfect for people of all ages and a good way to ease back into fitness. Neighborhood walks are fine, but seeing the same sights can get boring after a while. Venture out to the woods, or the forest preserve or a different part of town to keep your walk visually stimulating. If the weather's bad, walk indoors at a mall or museum. Be sure to walk briskly to get the full benefit.