Starting a family health club

Fitness for all the family

As families’ schedules grow busier and busier, parents and kids can sometimes have trouble squeezing physical activity into their days. One way to do it can be to start a family health club! With the help of the VERB™ campaign, families can experience the benefits of physical activity together. Use these tips from VERB to make physical activity a regular part of your daily life…

1 Set family goals

Decide that each member of the family will be active for 60 minutes per day and will meet three times each week for fun-filled physical activities as a family. You can also can set long-term goals, such as walking or running together, or setting time goals on how quickly you can finish certain distances around a local track or park, or even just around the block. Each week, discuss your progress and set rewards for meeting your family’s goals so that everyone gets across the finish line.

2 Make a date

Agree on a certain time and place that the family can get together and get active each week. Let one family member choose the activity each time you meet. Try different settings and activities.

3 Get classy!

Check the calendar of your local local community center or YMCA, or review a list of community organizations, and choose an enjoyable class or activity that the whole family can attend.

4 supporting cast

It’s all about family support… if a family member is participating in baseball, the family can make signs or cheers for the player for encouragement on game day!

5 Winners bulletin board

This is a great way to keep track of your family’s progress or to alert the family when one of you is having a game. For an accomplishment, each winner can receive a gold star or a funny face sticker by his or her name. Your  bulletin board also can include a monthly calendar of local community events and activities.

Brought to you by Supernanny.com in support of the CDC’s VERB Campaign.

Was this article helpful?