Sports for the Whole Family
We know a lot about the benefits of physical activity for human beings’ health. But today we’d like to talk specifically about the many advantages of sports for the whole family.
The following activities are great sports for the whole family to enjoy together.
Importance of sports for the whole family
Playing sports as a family stimulates healthy habits that will last forever. One of the most positive aspects to highlight is that sports reduce the rate of childhood obesity. This is because kids are doing more physical activity.
Other factors that make sports as a whole family important are:
- Less time watching TV and playing video games, which actually helps stimulate creativity in children.
- Learning to work as a team and respect others.
- Strengthening family ties and increasing understanding between each family member.
- Carrying out productive activities and promoting respect for the environment, even in young children.
- Relaxing as a family. Best of all, you give a good example to your children.
Ideally, you should play sports as a family at least twice a week in different ways. Don’t wait any longer to experience these moments of laughter, fun and companionship.
6 great sports for the whole family
Within the wide range of sports, there are some that you can do as a family. The goal is for your children to actively participate. Experts recommend the following sports the most:
Swimming
Swimming is one of the best sports for the whole family. This is because it’s a great full-body workout. In fact, even very young children can do it.
With practice, it’s possible to teach your children to swim and love the water. In addition, it’s a great way to burn those extra calories and build physical endurance.
It also helps children relax. That means they can dream and sleep better, which is ideal while they’re growing.
Bike riding
Who doesn’t like going for a bike ride? Cycling is a great activity to do as a family, since it’s a sport that stimulates fun and happiness. Some of the benefits of this activity can be:
- Promotes movement, motor skills and helps develop reflexes.
- At a physical level, it helps activate circulation, fights obesity and being overweight, and protects your heart.
- For all ages, it helps boost the immune system.
You can take advantage of all of its benefits if you plan activities every two weeks. Also, you could take outdoor rides where they can talk and enjoy all the benefits of cycling.
Hiking
Another one of the sports for the whole family is hiking. In this, children can actively participate so they learn to enjoy nature.
Among the physical benefits it offers are: improves circulation and stabilizes blood pressure, which protects the heart. Emotionally, it provides a nice break from daily activities, which helps you relax.
“One of the most positive aspects to highlight is that sports reduce the rate of childhood obesity. This is because kids are doing more physical activity.”
Climbing
Climbing is an activity that helps release energy, which children have lots of. In addition, it helps develop the ability to face challenges and give positive reinforcement to your family members. On top of all this, it’s tons of fun!
Soccer or basketball
These are activities that make you get moving and help everyone stay active. You can include lots of family members and other friends to build healthy relationships.
Playing sports also helps individuals form social and leadership skills, as well as improves speed, coordination, teamwork and mobility.
Walks
Walks are the best option for days when you have little extra time. You just need to set aside 30 minutes to go to the park and enjoy a little company with your loved ones. This helps release tension and get you moving.
In conclusion, sports for the whole family are a wonderful gift and way to spend time with your children. Take advantage of every moment and strengthen the bonds within your family. Your children will definitely appreciate it.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Unicef. (2004). Deporte, recreación y juego. Unicef.
- Guillén García, F., Castro Sánchez, J. J., & Guillén García, M. Á. (1997). Calidad de vida, salud y ejercicio físico: una aproximación al tema desde una perspectiva psicosocial. Revista de psicología del deporte, 6(2), 0091-110.
- Márquez, S. (1995). Beneficios psicológicos de la actividad física. Revista de psicología general y aplicada: Revista de la Federación Española de Asociaciones de Psicología, 48(1), 185-206.
- Naranjo, L. H. A. (2015). Beneficios del ejercicio. Hacia la promocion de la salud, 8(1), 86-100. http://sanoyfeliz.galeon.com/deporte.pdf