Family Health and Fitness Day

Mark your calendars for Family Health and Fitness Day in June! This annual event, which takes place on the second Saturday in June, encourages families to partake in physical activity together. More than two-thirds of adults and one-third of children and adolescents in the United States are overweight or obese. Regular physical activity helps combat this trend. In addition, physical fitness is a key component of a healthy body and mind. The color green represents physical fitness awareness.

On Family Health and Fitness Day, local organizations throughout the United States host family-oriented health and fitness events. These take place at parks, schools, YMCAs, health clubs, and other community organizations. The events are non-competitive and meant to accommodate participants of all shapes, sizes, and physical abilities. For example, this includes those from physically fit to just starting. The most important part of any exercise program is consistency. Events like Family Health and Fitness Day are great. That is because they provide a chance for people to find an activity that they like and will stick with over time.

How your family can join in on the fun

Taking part in Family Health and Fitness Day doesn’t require you to pack your family in the car for a trip to the gym. While there are organized events taking place around the country, there are also many activities you can do on your own. For example, get your children involved in planning what you’ll do on Family Health and Fitness Day. When kids feel like they have some ownership in deciding what to do, they are much more likely to be willing participants in what can be a very fun day for the entire family.

Here are a few ideas to help you get started on Family Health and Fitness Day:

1. Contact your local YMCA or health club

Many YMCAs, health clubs and gyms host special events for Family Health and Fitness Day. In most cases, you will not need to be a member to participate, since the events may be sponsored by various health and fitness organizations. For this reason, if the YMCA you call doesn’t have an event, ask if any of the other locations in the YMCA network do.

2. Take a walk at your local park

The event your family chooses doesn’t have to be officially recognized to count. Remember, it’s about finding a physical activity everyone will enjoy. For example, if your children are interested in nature, a walk at a park can bring them face-to-face with the local wildlife. Additionally, having something fun to look at and talk about makes the exercise part of the activity even easier.

3. Find a fun fall activity

Many local farms are starting their fall activities like apple picking, hayrides and corn mazes. Take your kids and get lost among the corn stalks and treat yourself to a healthy snack or glass of apple cider after the activity.

Here are a few more ideas to get your family moving:

4. Sign up for a 5K or fun run

If you’re already physically fit, sign up for a local 5K. Children learn by example, so seeing their parents or guardians take part in a competitive activity may spark their interest in physical fitness. Many 5Ks also include stroller- and pet-friendly 1-mile fun runs so the whole family can get take part.

5. Go on a bike ride

Grab your helmets and hit your nearest bike path. Biking, for instance, is a healthy, low-impact exercise that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s a fun exercise that doesn’t require a high level of physical skill, but gives your muscles a good workout!

6. Build an obstacle course in your backyard

With a little creativity, your family can use objects you already have around the house to build your very own obstacle course in the backyard. You may even want to invite your neighbors to take part, hold the obstacle course competition a few times a year and keep a record of the local champions and records to make it fun and motivating.

Think of Family Health and Fitness Day as the start of your family’s dedication to staying active. Along with annual visits with your doctor and a nutritious diet, it’s the best way to keep your family healthy for years to come.