In our fast-paced, modern world, it’s harder than ever for families to spend quality time together. Between school, extracurricular activities, and work schedules, parents are often crunched for time to connect with their children.

Finding time for exercise can be even more of a challenge. Today’s teens spend an increasing number of sedentary hours in front of screens. In fact, fewer than one in five adolescents gets an hour of moderate to vigorous exercise a day – the minimum recommended by the World Health Organization. Even young kids move too little. Preschoolers in a 2015 study published in the journal Pediatrics exercised only about 48 minutes per day!

Fortunately, parents can take simple steps to ensure all family members get the exercise their bodies need. Research suggests kids who exercise sleep better and perform better academically. In both kids and adults, physical activity can lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Check out these ideas to keep your family connected and healthy:

Take a hike. – Head outdoors and go for a family walk. Research shows that kids who spend time in nature grow into happier adults. Fortunately for us, Medford is filled with beautiful places to walk, play, and experience the outdoors.

Try geocaching. If you’re struggling to get your kids outside, motivate them with a new hobby. Download an app for geocaching and work together to find geocaches near you – or hide your own box for others to find.

Move indoors when bad weather strikes. For a budget-friendly way to bond, take the whole family for a walk in the mall. Better yet, find a family-friendly gym with programs for kids and adults alike. Our pool here at Medford Fitness is great for a family swim.

Dance away your cabin fever. – Turn up the music, put on your dancin’ shoes, and have a family dance party.

Model healthy habits. – One of the best ways to encourage children to move is to be physically active yourself. Ensure you’re getting the exercise you need by committing to a regular fitness program.

Find a quality summer camp. – When school’s out, kids are more likely to veg out on the couch. Here at Medford Fitness, we’re now enrolling for our Fit N’ Fun Kids Camp, which runs in weekly sessions from June 24th – Aug 30th. Choose between half-days or full-days. Camp will feature a variety of fun fitness activities – including swimming. Get 50% off when you register by April 30th.

Come to our family-friendly Community Night Out event. This April 27th, Medford Fitness will host a Community Night Out from 6:30 – 9:30 pm. We’ll be hosting a “Dive In Movie” (Finding Nemo) in our pool area. This event will be open to the public and will also feature a DJ, pizza, games, and tons of family-friendly fun. Register by April 20th.

Exercising as a family will help you raise a stronger, more confident child. And your family just might grow a little closer in the process.

Register your kids for Fit N’ Fun Kids Camp by April 30th to receive a 50% discount.

Call Medford Fitness at 609-654-1440 to sign up for our Fit N’ Fun Kids Camp or register for our Community Night Out. Visit medfordfitness.com to learn more.