Welcome to a new category of my blog simply called ‘Healthy Tips.’ Many times, when I write articles for various publications, I need to find sources for the story. Recently, I wrote an article for Yahoo Shine (click here) and PBS (click here) about keeping kids healthy. I was looking for experts and parents to chime in and give their favorite ‘tips’ to help kids (and their families) lead a healthy lifestyle.

The feedback for the story was amazing. The sources had some fantastic points of view that could not be ignored, and I thought their opinions should be viewed on the Your Health Journal web site.

So, enjoy my new series, with some ‘great’ insight from some ‘great’ people giving exceptional and educational points of view.

The importance of families exercising together

Working out is not only about connecting with yourself but it is a great tool to bond and connect with those close to you. Working out challenges you to be better, inspires you to work towards accomplishing a goal. When working out together, it is symbolism for teamwork. That you can face challenges together and work on accomplishing goals as a unit. Working out together is a great inspiration to be better for your family members and there is no better to gain that inspiration than to have them right by your side.

Suggestions / creative ideas to get families to exercise together

a) Sign up for a fitness event that involves a charity the family is passionate about. That way everyone cares about being involved and it is for the greater good, not just for the benefit of the family.

b) Create an incentive (or prize) to workout together and reach your goal.For instance, if the family collectively loses x amount of pounds by a certain date, the family will go on a mini vacation or a mini shopping spree.

c) Once a week, dedicate to change. Every week, the entire family does a different medium of exercise. For instance, one week do a bootcamp class. The next week? Spinning. Keeping it fresh and interesting will keep it challenging and never boring.

Reasons why families are not exercising together as much in our modern day era.

With times changing, many people have to work harder than ever to keep food on the plate and a roof over their head. So it is not just exercising, but any family bonding, that seems to be few and far between. Also, constant technological advances keep people on the couch instead of engaging in physical activity.

– Kit Rich, Pilates personal trainer