Spring into Physical Activity as a Family

If your kids are bored and you don't know what to do, it's the perfect time to get the whole family moving! Exercising as a family is a great way to spend quality time together, enjoy the warm weather, and show your children that staying fit is an important priority at every age.

“We, as parents, need to be good role models, if we want our children to view physical activity as important,” said Azra Shaikh, MD, a physician in Apex at Duke Primary Care Peak Family Medicine. “Being active benefits the entire family, and creates a special bond you simply can’t achieve by watching TV together.”

The Centers for Disease Control recommends kids engage in at least an hour of physical activity each day. The CDC recommends adults engage in at least five hours of exercise each week. Yet, longer workdays and daily commutes, plus a trend toward more sedentary lifestyles means less adults are meeting those daily recommendations. It’s equally hard for kids as more schools cut physical education programs and daily recess.

“Get your kids to participate in physical activity by focusing on play, not exercise,” said Shaikh. “If there isn’t an element of fun to it, your kids won’t be interested.”

Here’s how all of you can have fun and stay active during your Spring Break, and how you can make physical activities a priority for your family on the weekends too:

Remember the classics: kids love when parents join in on Hide and Seek, Simon Says, Red Light/Green Light, or run fun races in the backyard.Take family walks and hikes. Bring a picnic to build in some rest time.Be a tourist. Visit a museum, the zoo or check out the offerings at the local farmer’s market.Don’t let bad weather stop you in your tracks. Play physically demanding interactive video games. Or, move the old fashioned way by turning up your kids’ favorite songs and showing them your dance moves.Start a family bowling tournament or try a game of mini-golf.Play kickball, softball, or shoot some hoops.Start a vegetable garden. Maintaining a garden can be a great activity, and children will be more likely to eat their vegetables if they took part in growing them.

Call 888-ASK-DUKE to make and appointment with Dr. Shaikh or another Duke Primary Care provider near you.

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