Family Fitness Day - Bike Riding

I love Sundays. Sunday is family fitness day in our home. This weekly activity started when my oldest (now almost 20) was just a baby. We'd put aside several hours on Sunday afternoons to make sure we spent the day together.

Family fitness often revolves around group activities that are low key and enjoyable for all. At times we kayak, run, play tennis; but today we decided to ride bikes.

Bike riding is a real joy now that the weather is getting cooler and even though we have to fight off a mosquito or two down here in South Texas nothing can spoil a day we all spend together out doors.

I feel like I talk quite a bit about children and fitness. I think it's an offshoot of being a teacher, but by showing your child how to enjoy fitness you are giving them a lifetime of health and happiness. From a parent's perspective there is nothing better.

Just a couple of hints I've found help if you are going to take the kids out on a family bike ride.

• Helmets - No excuses, just do it!
• Hydration - Everyone needs a little extra water. Bottles that attach to bikes can be found at sporting good stores.
• Safe Paths - Depending on the age of your children, scout out a path before you take them on it.
  
• Start small - If this is your first family fitness outing, start small. If you over work your children then you take the fun out of it. Fitness is fun, it should not feel like "work."
• Enjoy - Now that my guys are older I realize that my happiest memories are some of our family fitness outings. Enjoy yourself. Take time to stop and explore the world around you.

Our ride today consisted of several miles on a track around a park close to home. I normally bring a few healthy snacks and we stop at a few spots here and there to enjoy the wild life. Investing in a few family fitness days helps bring your family a bit closer, and helps instill the fitness habit in your children.