The Benefits of Family Walks
Walking with your children and setting a good example of participating in regular exercise is an excellent way to build a love of being active. It is also a great way to connect and allow space to discuss the events of the day.
Television, computer, video games, and other screen time are tempting kids to remain more inactive than they perhaps would otherwise. In the past, kids were more active and spent more time outdoors.
Children ages 6 through 12 need 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for good health or the equivalent of 12,000 to 15,000 steps (5 to 6 miles.) However, 81% of adolescents aged 11–17 years are not physically active enough. Television, computer, video games, and other screen time are tempting kids to remain more inactive. We can all remember our childhoods running around the neighborhood and coming home when the street lights turned on. Its time to help our kids to be more active and spend more time outdoors.
Going for family walks is an easy way to get everyone in the family more active. Encouraging a routine of daily or frequent walks throughout the week helps to develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Instilling a pattern of making time for exercise is crucial to investing in our children's future health.
Set aside 30-60 min of family walking time three or more days per week. Creating a schedule helps you to be intentional with your family walking routine. Research supports the idea that a consistent routine makes sticking to a healthy lifestyle more likely.
Don’t forget about your four legged family members! Dogs are a great way to encourage family walking and routines of healthy living. Walk together as a family or rotate turns in taking the dog for walks.
A great way to motivate little ones is to Include playgrounds, streams, parks, and other destinations on your walking route. Reward your kiddos by stopping at these spots for them to play, rest and explore their surroundings. We often plan our walks out to grab dinner.
By committing to a family walk a few times per week or even daily, you'll gain quality time together while creating healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Set intentional goals and enjoy the little things along the way. You will never regret the extra time you spent together enjoying the outdoors. Before you know it, your kids will be begging for more frequent walks!
