Exercise Tips for Your Family

A healthy family is a family that eats well and exercises. Check out these tips for getting your family on the active track.

Park the car as far away from the entrance as possible
Use a pedometer to count the number of steps taken each day.(2,000 steps equals about 1 mile)
Make chores like vacuuming, sweeping or raking, your chance to be active
Go for family walks after meals
Limit recreational screen time (television, video games and computer) to less than two hours per day
Shoot some hoops
Select fitness-oriented gifts with your family member's skills and interests in mind
Try to always use the stairs
Visit farms throughout the year where you can pick your own fruits and vegetables
Plan cycling trips on safe trails by contacting your local bike shop or bike club
Go swimming and play water tag or water volleyball
Play soccer or just kick a ball around
Go hiking — locate a nearby trail
Jump rope — practice rhythms, rhymes and tricks
Adopt a roadway, park or beach and keep it clean
Enter a "bike-a-thon" or "fun run" and train for it
Use a hula hoop — see how long you can keep it going
Schedule regular times for activity throughout the week

(Source: Shape Up America www.shapeup.org )