With the advent of warm weather it is the perfect time to think about your. One of the best ways to have a healthy family is to engage family to exercise together. This doesn’t mean that you need to join a gym together, although if you have older children this could be fun, but it does mean that you get out and do things together as a family that require more than sitting in front of a screen.

The mountains are a great place for family fun. Not only does your family benefit from the fresh air but they can also get some exercise. We recently went camping as a family. My children climbed up the mountain that we were camped next to numerous times. I also climbed the mountain multiple times chasing them down. They had no idea that they were exercising. To them it was just fun.

If you don’t have any mountains near by see what is available in your city. Many cities have large parks with walking trails, greenbelts, or boardwalks that you can walk. Take your family and explore these areas. Walking together not only provides family exercise but a great time to talk to your kids and improve your relationship.

Incorporate exercise into your family outings for its health benefits. If you go golfing don’t rent a cart, instead walk the course. It may take longer but you are also getting some great exercise. I love to go shopping with my mom and sisters, even if we don’t really buy anything. Window-shopping down city streets requires a lot of walking, great exercise. When you go swimming join your children in the pool.

You don’t have to go farther than your own backyard or city park to get some exercise. Kicking around a soccer ball, playing Frisbee, or jumping on a trampoline are all great ways to exercise. My kids love to play tag both in the house and outside. I know that we all burn a lot of calories while we are playing.

Remember when you are out together as a family to make healthy food choices. The benefits of walking around the golf course are all undone if you follow it with a super value meal at a fast food restaurant. Try carrying some healthy snacks like string cheese, fruits, and whole-wheat crackers with you. Bring along some water as well, so you aren’t tempted to buy a soda.

Getting out as a family and doing activities that require some form of exercise will teach your children benefits of family exercise and make them understand that it can be fun at the same time. It will also build in them a desire to stay fit and build habits that will follow them throughout their lives.