Get Active as a Family: Bonding Through Fitness Games and BoardGains

Ah, the holidays—a time for family, food, and...fitness? Yes, you heard that right! The holiday season is actually the perfect opportunity to build family bonds through physical activity. When you get everyone moving, you're not only having fun but also creating lasting memories and setting healthy habits. Family fitness doesn’t have to be complicated or boring; it can be a blast with the right activities, especially with a game like BoardGains.

In this post, we’ll explore how you can get active as a family, offer some tips for adapting exercises for all ages, and share creative ideas for holiday-themed fitness games. Let’s dive in!

Why Family Fitness Matters

Getting active as a family does more than burn calories; it strengthens emotional bonds and boosts everyone's mood. Plus, when children see adults prioritizing fitness, they’re more likely to adopt healthy habits themselves. It’s all about creating a culture of wellness that’s accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable.

Research shows that families who engage in physical activities together are more likely to stick with it long-term. And let's be honest—kids have a lot of energy, so why not channel that into something positive? Family fitness activities promote teamwork, healthy competition, and even teach some valuable lessons about persistence and resilience.

1. Introducing BoardGains: A Fun Tool for Family Fitness

If you're looking for a way to make fitness feel more like a game than a workout, BoardGains is an excellent choice. It’s essentially a fitness-based board game that makes staying active easy and fun, even for those who aren't typically into exercise. Think of it as Monopoly with a healthy twist, where each move requires you to complete a fun exercise challenge.

Here’s how it works: Players roll dice, move along the board, and perform exercises based on where they land. The game includes exercises that range from easy to challenging, and you can modify them for different fitness levels. It's great for family game night, and a perfect activity for the holiday season when everyone's gathered together.

2. Tips for Adapting BoardGains for All Ages

To make sure everyone can participate in BoardGains, here are some quick tips to adapt exercises:

For Kids (Ages 5-12): Simplify exercises or use lighter variations. For example, instead of full push-ups, kids can do push-ups on their knees. High-energy moves like jumping jacks and mini-squats are perfect for younger players.
For Teens: Teens can handle more intense moves like burpees, plank holds, or lunges. Let them go full throttle; it’s a great way for them to burn off that teenage energy!
For Parents and Adults: Use this as an opportunity to get your own workout in! Go for the more advanced versions of each exercise, like full push-ups, jump squats, or longer plank holds.
For Grandparents or Older Family Members: Modify exercises to be lower-impact. Marching in place, wall push-ups, and seated leg lifts are great options that keep everyone involved without the risk of injury.

By adjusting each exercise, everyone can play and stay safe, regardless of age or fitness level.

3. Holiday-Themed Fitness Games to Try as a Family

The holidays are a perfect excuse to add some festive flair to your family fitness routine. Here are a few holiday-themed workout ideas to keep things merry and active:

Santa's Sleigh Relay: Set up a "sleigh" (a basket or small sled) and fill it with small, lightweight items. Family members take turns "pulling" the sleigh from one end of the room to the other, then passing it on to the next person. Great for cardio and tons of laughs!
Snowball Toss Squats: Grab some lightweight balls (or even crumpled paper balls) and play a toss game. Every time someone misses a toss, they have to do five squats. It's competitive, fun, and builds leg strength.
Reindeer Run: Have everyone run or march in place for 30 seconds, imitating reindeer prancing through the snow. To add a little challenge, do it to the beat of a favorite holiday song!
Holiday Circuit Challenge: Set up stations around the room, each with a different exercise (think: jumping jacks, sit-ups, or plank holds). Rotate through the stations in a circuit style, spending 30 seconds at each one. Perfect for keeping the energy up and making sure everyone gets a full-body workout.

4. Benefits of Family Fitness During the Holiday Season

Engaging in family fitness during the holidays has unique benefits that go beyond just physical health:

Counteracts Holiday Indulgence: Let’s be real; holiday meals are deliciously indulgent! A little physical activity can balance out the extra calories, helping everyone feel good without the guilt.
Manages Stress and Boosts Mood: The holidays can be stressful, especially for parents. Physical activity releases endorphins, which help reduce stress and lift your mood.
Strengthens Family Bonds: Shared activities create shared memories. When everyone’s working together on a fitness challenge, it builds teamwork and brings the family closer.
Sets a Healthy Example: When kids see adults prioritizing fitness, they're more likely to view physical activity as a regular, enjoyable part of life.

5. Other Fun Fitness Activities for Families

If BoardGains isn’t available, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to stay active as a family. Here are some simple ideas:

Dance Party: Put on your favorite playlist and dance like nobody's watching! It’s a fantastic cardio workout that everyone can enjoy, no equipment needed.
Nature Walks: Bundle up and go for a walk in a nearby park or neighborhood. Make it fun by turning it into a scavenger hunt, where everyone has to find specific items like pinecones or holiday decorations.
Obstacle Course: Set up an indoor or outdoor obstacle course. Use cushions, chairs, and household items to create a path with various "challenges." It’s great for coordination and balance.
Yoga for All Ages: Family yoga is a great way to stretch, relax, and connect. Look up some kid-friendly poses, and spend a few minutes grounding and stretching together.

Wrapping Up: Building Lasting Family Fitness Habits

Encouraging family fitness is one of the best gifts you can give your loved ones. Not only does it promote physical health, but it also nurtures emotional well-being, reduces stress, and strengthens family connections. Whether you’re using BoardGains, playing holiday-themed games, or just taking a walk together, the goal is to make fitness fun and accessible for everyone.

This holiday season, make family time active time. It doesn’t have to be complicated or intense—a little creativity can go a long way in turning exercise into quality family bonding. So, why not get moving and make some joyful, healthy memories together?

FAQs

1. What is BoardGains and how does it work?
BoardGains is a fitness board game where players complete exercises based on their dice roll and position on the board. It’s a fun, structured way to get active with the whole family.

2. Can kids safely participate in family fitness activities?
Absolutely! Many exercises can be modified to suit different ages and fitness levels. Just make sure to choose age-appropriate activities and keep an eye on safety.

3. How can we keep family fitness fun during the holidays?
Use holiday-themed games, try new activities like dance parties or obstacle courses, and involve everyone in the planning process. When it feels like a game, everyone will be more excited to join in.

4. What if some family members aren’t physically active?
Start with light, low-impact exercises and gradually build up. The goal is to include everyone, so adapt exercises as needed and keep the focus on having fun!

5. How often should we engage in family fitness activities?
There’s no set rule, but aim for at least a couple of times a week. Even short bursts of activity—20-30 minutes—can make a big difference in keeping everyone active and engaged.