Juggling work, school and family can be a difficult challenge these days for most families. By looking at your overbooked schedule you may feel there isn’t enough time for fitness.

Try turning your quality family time into family fitness time. You may be surprised how much you and your family will reap the benefits. With a little planning, you can enjoy time with your family and maintain you and your family’s health.

As parents, most of us have heard about the growing concern regarding the epidemic of childhood obesity among American children. Our children need to learn and practice healthy eating habits and fitness routines every day in order to combat this problem. Knowing the problem exists is the first step. Now, what are we going to do to make it a priority in our lives and lives of our children?

Let’s begin with planning. Have a family meeting. Young kids can even participate.

Start with nutrition. We all have to eat, so make good nutritional choices.

Some ideas that help a busy family may include planning your meals for the week. Make a grocery list. Taking kids to a store can be a bit challenging, but having them learn at an early age how to shop is essential in their nutrition choices later on. Have them play the game, “choose this instead of that” game. Where they learn what a good choice to eat is. It works great for snack time.

Your family can engage in many activities that will get everyone off the couch. Scheduling family fitness activity times at least three to four times a week will begin to create a routine. Many children are involved in organized sports. This may take the family supporting them, by attending games or meets.

Not all activities have to be sports related. Be sure that everyone gets to participate. Living in the beautiful Grand Valley, there are many simple and low-cost options available.

Try walking your dogs, taking a hike or riding your bikes. Jump ropes are a great cardiovascular option. Try jumping rope in the backyard (or the garage in the winter.) Make it a game. Keep track of each person and see how they progress.

Other options may be going bowling or skiing. The list can go on and on. Be creative and find out what your family likes to do.

Choosing activities that are age appropriate is important. Take into consideration your child’s skill level and maturity.

Toddlers have mastered many basic movements. Choose an activity that is unstructured, like climbing, playing catch with a lightweight ball or pedaling a tricycle. As the children get older, they are able to do more activities that require coordination. They are also more able to follow directions. They could try soccer, gymnastics, or martial arts.

Try new activities. Making family fitness time FUN is the key. Join a gym where families are welcome. There are many activity options such as family swimming and exercise classes for kids. When everyone wants to participate, you will be more successful in your quest.

As a family, make fitness a priority. By doing this you will not only be more fit and healthy, you will be bonding as you spend time together in activities. Your children will remember those special bike rides and family outings, while building great health habits.

Remember one of the laws of nature: You’ll get out of it what you put into it.

So, what’s your family fitness activity today?