There is no doubt that being active is a good thing, but it’s also not always easy. Whether you are getting your kids to exercise or you just want to get some of yourself moving, here are six ways you can do it.

Play

This might be the most obvious way you can encourage your kids to exercise and is something we all need to practice in order to stay healthy. When it comes down to it, exercise doesn’t have to mean running around the neighborhood or even running on a treadmill while watching TV (although those things are fun too). There are plenty of other activities that will help keep your entire family fit and healthy. The key is finding activities that everyone enjoys. If your kids like playing basketball or soccer, go ahead and let them play whenever they want. If they enjoy jumping rope, try doing it together. Just remember to make sure that whatever activity you choose is one that everyone in the family can participate in and that everyone is comfortable with.

If you don’t know what your kids would enjoy, there is nothing wrong with asking them. Ask them what their favorite sport or game is and see which ones they could participate in. Or, if they’re older, ask them what kinds of sports or games they would like to try out. Whatever you decide, make a plan and stick to it so that everyone has an opportunity to participate and feel that they’ve had their own say in the matter.

Set Up Equipment

When you’re looking for new exercises, equipment is important. If you haven’t done any weight training before, you need to start small with simple movements and build from there. For example, you may find that lifting weights makes your kids’ arms sore after about a week. If this is the case, consider using dumbbells instead. Dumbbells don’t require as much strength as free weights and they still allow your kids to work out their upper body muscles.

If you think your kids are ready for more advanced exercises, you can check out these workout videos. You’ll learn something new every time. Even if your kids don’t watch the videos, they will benefit by seeing how you move and hear you talk. This will show them that working out can be fun and that it’s okay to make mistakes.

Make It Fun

Exercising should be fun, especially when you’re talking about exercising with young children. So many parents dread working out because they feel like they must drag their kids along or force them to participate. That’s not the case! You can set up workouts that are fun for both you and your child. In fact, you can make it easier on yourself by letting your kid pick out his or her own outfit and music. They’ll love showing off their new gear and you’ll love having a little bit of peace and quiet during your workout session. Click here to learn more about the hacks that you can try to make your workout regime more fun.

Get Help From Family

Whether it’s a parent-child team or a group of friends, having support means everything. Not only does it give you motivation to continue working out, but it gives your child a chance to learn that exercise isn’t embarrassing or shameful. Having someone else in your corner helps to keep you accountable too. After all, who wants to do something that causes others to roll their eyes?

Take Your Time

No matter what kind of exercise you’re doing, take your time. Don’t expect results overnight. Building muscle takes time and a lot of hard work. However, if you commit to a consistent program, you’ll begin to see the positive effects within a short amount of time. And, if you’re willing to put in the effort, you will reap the rewards.

Give Them Space

While exercising is great for everyone, it’s also important to give yourself space to rest too. Remember, you are building muscle, not just burning calories. You need time to recover between workouts and this includes giving yourself time to eat properly too. If you’re eating right already, you’ll have no problem sticking to your nutrition goals while you’re making fitness adjustments. But, if you aren’t taking care of yourself, you won’t last long (or look good) either. Give yourself at least 24 hours of recovery time between each workout. Make sure to drink water and replenish electrolytes after each workout as well. This will ensure that your body gets what it needs to repair itself. If you don’t give yourself enough time to recover, you could end up overworking yourself and causing injury.

Offer Rewards

Just like exercise, reward systems work best when you stick with them. A few examples include rewarding your kids with “reward points” for completing a certain number of chores or helping out around the house. These points can then be redeemed for a special treat such as a movie night or ice cream. You can even use them to buy items that are specific to your child’s interests.

Another option is to offer incentives for exercise. For instance, if your kids complete a certain number of laps around the block, you reward them with stickers that they can redeem for prizes on an upcoming vacation. Of course, whatever incentive you choose, make sure it fits into your schedule. Otherwise, it won’t work very well!

Have Fun

The bottom line is that exercise should be enjoyable and exciting. If it isn’t, it isn’t going to happen. You’ll want to make exercise a habit rather than something you dread. And, if you make it fun, your kids will definitely follow suit. So, whether you’re trying to get your kids to exercise or you want to exercise by yourself, remember to have fun and make it a priority. You’ll be glad you did after you’ve had a chance to catch your breath.