Advertisement
Here's How To Get Your Family To Exercise With You (Without Them Even Knowing)
We all know it's not easy to get your loved ones to exercise with you especially if there's an age gap or they're just not into it. But before you give up, you may want to consider some out-of-the-box ideas that could inspire them to move with you. We're all about exercising together and getting those mood-boosting and anxiety-reducing benefits, so we pulled together our favorite creative tips from our fitness experts. It turns out you don't need to go to a class or plan far in advance to sweat and have some serious fun.
Have a dance party.
"Dance parties all the way! I love turning on some music while we're making dinner in the kitchen and snacking on apps. My father-in-law has the most ridiculously amazing dance moves. He's 6'4", and he manages to get really low and twist his hips. It's hard to keep up with him!" —Kait Hurley, founder of kaithurley.com
Do things together.
"Cooking, cleaning, decorating for the holidays, these are all things that can be done as a family, take effort, and can build connection and memories at the same time. Of course, a group at-home yoga class from an online video is 100 percent accessible to anyone today with technology. I'll never forget the time my Dad and I had a handstand contest over Christmas. Can you guess who won!?" —Sara Quiriconi, certified yoga instructor, health coach, and author of Living Cancer Free: A Warrior's Fall and Rise Through Food, Addiction, and Cancer
Get outside.
"My favorite exercise in disguise is playing with my nephews and participating in whatever games they are playing. Other adults find it curious when I am on the playground equipment with them, pretending like there is hot lava beneath me, but it's a great workout, and it's easy to call other family members in to help. It's hard to say no to playing with a 5-year-old." —Jenn Pilotti, personal trainer, educator, and writer, who owns a boutique personal training studio in Carmel, California
Go for a walk.
"Take a walk together—it's easy, gets you outdoors, and is an excellent way to disconnect. There's a small neighborhood park with a basketball court down the street from my parents' house, and I'll often go play with my two brothers and sister-in-law when we're all home for Christmas—which winds up being more laughing than an actual sporting event (also valid exercise)." —Sasha Nelson, yoga instructor, wellness lifestyle coach, and sustainability enthusiast
Try a group hike.
"My go-to is a hike or a walk. We might have to bundle up more during the winter, but it gives us time for communication and play. I try to take them places they're interested in, like Muir Woods or the beach, so that they're engaged with what they're seeing. We also will drive to neighborhoods that do great decorations for the holidays and get out to walk around and look at them all." —Jill Dailey, kinesiologist, barre dance enthusiast, and founder of the Dailey Method
There's a lot on our minds this time of year, and planning your workouts while home for the holidays probably isn't at the top of your list. We hope this helps take the edge off and keep you moving.
Watch Next
Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes
Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes
What Is Meditation?
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins
Box Breathing
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar
What Breathwork Can Address
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar
The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?
Yoga | Caley Alyssa
Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips
Yoga | Caley Alyssa
How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance
Nutrition | Rich Roll
What to Eat Before a Workout
Nutrition | Rich Roll
How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life
Nutrition | Sahara Rose
Messages About Love & Relationships
Love & Relationships | Esther Perel
Love Languages
Love & Relationships | Esther Perel