For centuries, the family unit was one of the strongest
pillars of society. Today, with its hectic pace of change and development, it
still remains one of the strongest pillars of society although under severe pressure
– fortunately the motto ‘unity is strength’ still prevails.
Families are aware of the fact that with the modern day’s
influences on the family unity – the electronic media, the world wide web, peer
pressure, pressure to preform, etc., - they have to stand together to survive.
But it is not only about surviving, it is also the fact that to bond is
beneficial and there are also pleasures to be gained from time and activities
spend together. They also realize that they have contributions to make to the
family and its members and have an obligation to do so. In the cutthroat life
of the 21st century, the motto ‘survival of the fittest’ is as true
as ever could be. No wonder that families value the family bond and make
efforts to preserve time together for family activities, interaction and
exercise. Those families which value unity will, from time-to-time, evaluate
the time and energy allocated to the family, and when necessary, makes needed adjustments.
They realise that time spend together must be of top quality and above all it
must be fun to keep the interest alive.
Holding regular family nights are still high on the agenda
to build unity in the family, but it has been taken a notch or two further –
why not ‘a family work-out session?’ Especially when you have a young family,
and you don't currently have family workouts, then starting such a venture
might be a little easier than most people think. Young children usually don't
have a problem with working-out with Mom or Dad. They have lots of reserved energy
that needs to be channelled in the correct manner. If the children are mostly
in their teens, there may be a little more resistance, but if the parents are
determined to make this work, the family will overcome any reservations and
enjoy it. It is just a matter of motivation, convincing and conviction.
There is a definite shift from only traditional social time
together to social time together that will also have an impact on the general
health, fitness and well-being of all family members. It is important that any
family exercise should not be competitive. Fun should be the watchword here.
There are different ages involved and not all of them will be on equal footing
regarding strength and even fitness. The main purpose should be to have quality
family time combined with an endeavour to get fit. Depending on the size of the
family as well as the type of exercise activity, it can be a costly affair but
there are always cheaper options and ways to curb expenditure.
Here are some random ideas on family exercise options:
Running
Running has undisputed health benefits and is generally
accepted as one of the best ways of getting fit and healthy – and also very
cheap. The result is that just about every city has a running population that
is growing. Runners include a large cross-section of the population: politicians,
business people, pensioners, housewives, career women and families. Running is
seen by many simply as the shortest route to fitness and health - a sport that
is inexpensive and easily accessible.
Joining Trim Parks
The first trim park was built near Zurich, Switzerland, in
1968, following a fitness program used by Swiss foresters. Trim parks are
well-designed with a sequence of exercises carefully designed to take the
family through varying degrees of physical stress which will invigorate and
tone up the whole body. There they can cycle, walk or preferably run between
the exercise stations. Exercise trails are carefully planned to enhance all the
components of physical fitness: cardio-respiratory capacity, strength,
endurance, balance, agility and coordination. To visit trim parks are cheap and
as with running, the only expense for the family will be running shoes. If
there is no trim park in the vicinity the family can improvise and build their
own one in their backyard.
Bicycling
Bicycling is a particularly useful vehicle for quick trips
to the shops, family outings or camping. Once mastered, bicycling is a skill
never forgotten. Bicycling is also used to keep in shape for other sports. If
cycling is to be a part of the family’s fitness program, set goals like
distance, speed, longer or steeper gradients. Bicycles as well as all the
necessary safety equipment can be a costly affair.
Hiking
Exploring diverse
wilderness trails and mountain ranges is a highly effective form of aerobic
exercise for the entire family, combined with a holiday. Hiking improves
all-round fitness and stamina. And, there is an added bonus – it offers the
family the opportunity to appreciate beautiful places throughout the country.
Do not hike long distances if the family is unfit, and avoid
overloading with unnecessary food and equipment. Study maps of the route you
intend to follow and let someone know when you are likely to return. Check
weather reports and provide for emergencies by including a small first aid kit.
Ask experienced hikers for advice- they will have learned the hard way. This
can also be a costly venture but when combined with the family’s holiday or
weekend breakaways, things look less gloomy.
Swimming
Swimming is very popular and the reason is that it is a
comparatively painless form of exercise. Furthermore, swimming exercise can be
combined with a family fun outing at the local pool or even their own pool in
the backyard. On a hot day, the water dissipates body heat; in the winter, heated
indoor pools are a comforting alternative to outdoor activity. Swimming is a
particularly good exercise for those who are otherwise restricted in movement because
of age, disease or injury.
Court sports
Should the family be bored by solitary fitness activities
such as jogging and swimming, they might find excitement, variety and challenge
in sporting activities based on courts – tennis, badminton, volleyball, etc. The reward here is the exhilaration of
competition, but, be careful not to be too competitive. Keep the fun part in
mind. Court sports can also be very expensive.
Then there are also the more informal, casual activities:
- Once a week have games in the backyard like hopscotch, rope jumping, swing ball and even hide-and-seek.
- Miniature golf is also very relaxing and fun and is a family activity by far.
- What about a dance night instead of the usual movie night. Dancing is a very active and social type of activity.
- Then, what about going to the mall together as a family and count how many laps the family can do in a mall. It can be fun if each one of the family can have a pedometer to measure the distance the family is doing. Afterwards, have fun with a healthy Smoothie or two.
These are only a few brain-storming ideas but the best would
be for the family to decide as a team what type of exercise activity they are
going to take up. And, the beauty of it is that every month or so, they change
to something else.
Get the family involved in physical activities will do them
only good – they will realize that to be active is fun, healthy and that it
builds family unity. By spending enjoyable and positive time together, they
will build up a reserve of good feelings towards each other. When dark clouds
gather they will be geared, to share it with each other and resolve it as a
team.
By Daniel de Villiers: Freelance Writer
