Most families are constantly going in many different directions and finding time for exercise is a real challenge. With the weather is warming up, now is a great time to get outdoors and find fun activities to keep your family fit and healthy. These six tips will help you get started.

1. Focus on Active Play
   First, try changing your mindset. Exercise doesn't have to be a chore! Avoid using words like "working out," and instead, focus on finding active ways for the entire family to play together. Organize a friendly game of tag in the backyard or turn on some fun music, and have a dance party in the living room. 
2. Sign Up for a Fun Run 
   Having a goal to work toward will help keep your entire family motivated. Find a fun color run, obstacle course or another themed race and sign up the entire family. You can all enjoy training together, and when race day arrives, you'll have a great time making memories.
3. Let Your Kids Take the Lead 
   A great way to get kids interested in exercise is to let them choose which activities they want to do. Joining a fitness center as a family will give you plenty of options, including aquatics, weight training, cardio, various sports, and group fitness classes. 

   Thanks to the YMCA's Sizzling Summer Membership, the entire family can join for just $199.

4. Meet Up with Other Families 
   Not only will joining forces with some other adults and kids make playful exercise fun, you can also share the benefits of physical activity. Try reaching out to some friends and family members and arranging a backyard football game, a round of frisbee golf or a scenic hike. 
5. Plan a Group Bike Ride 
   Once everybody in the family is able to balance on two wheels, planning a family bike ride is easy. With smaller kids, it's often easier to get off the roads and spend some time on established bike trails. As your children get older and are able to safely follow traffic rules, you can take your biking adventures out on the open road. 
6. Find a Family Yoga Class
   Yoga yields many proven benefits for people of all ages. It helps ease anxiety and stress and can teach you positive coping methods, like meditation and focused breathing. Look for parent/child yoga classes or ones that are geared specifically to the kids. Better yet, get the entire family involved at once by doing yoga videos at home. 

If you're ready to give your family the gift of fitness, consider joining the Y today. Stop into one of our locations to learn more about the many benefits of membership and get started. We would love to show you around and help you and your family establish a healthy new lifestyle.