June 14 is Family Health and Fitness Day, a day encouraging families to be active together at local parks and rec centers. It’s the perfect time to get out and get active as a family. You’ll promote healthy habits, foster stronger relationships and improve your family’s overall well-being.

Aleah Neuenschwander ATC, CSCS, athletic trainer with Aultman Orrville Sports and Wellness, said that families who are active together are more likely to meet recommended levels of physical activity for improved health and have an increased likelihood of staying active throughout their lives.

“Quality time spent by way of physical activity provides an opportunity for adults to model positive behaviors to their children and helps develop stronger social bonds among the family, which in turn has a positive impact on emotional well-being,” she said. “It also creates a safe space for kids to share what is happening in their world, which provides opportunities for families to offer emotional support, companionship or even tangible support for school projects or hobbies.”

Neuenschwander provided these tips to get started with family fitness:

• Keep it simple: Choose activities that do not require expensive equipment purchases or advanced athletic skills so that everyone can participate.

• Incorporate physical activity into routine aspects of life to make them fun. Examples include:

  • Complete household chores as a group – play music and have dance-off competitions to break up the chore time. Or you can race to see who can get done faster.

  • Take time to play in the leaves/snow when raking/shoveling.

  • Choose to park farther away from your destination, then have fun skipping or playing follow the leader going to and from the car.

  • Keep balls or a frisbee in the car for impromptu opportunities for play (such as waiting in line or for an event to begin).

• Plan for family physical activity.

  • Be purposeful by setting aside scheduled time for family physical activity on a weekly basis. Whether once per week or several times per week, this is a predetermined time when screens are off and everyone spends time outdoors (weather permitting) to be active together. Allow family members to take turns choosing activities they like.

  • For younger children and toddlers, start a routine of physical activity by making time for play, going to the park or chasing each other around the yard.

  • For older children, it may be helpful to get behind a cause as a family.

    • Train for a 5K or walking fundraiser that supports a cause important to your family.

    • Take a longer biking or hiking trip to an area park as a group.