Fun Ways Your Family Can Get Fit Together

(StatePoint) Is your fitness routine stuck in a rut? Searching for ways to spend more time with your family?

Why not combine these goals? There are a variety of ways to lead an active lifestyle that are suitable for the whole family and can include children of all ages.

Let these four creative ideas help you turn each day into an opportunity to get fit and have fun as a family, without stepping foot into the gym. As with any workout, it’s important to have the proper gear, and that starts with footwear. So, each exercise below has a suggestion of what to look for when it comes to choosing the right shoe.

• Participate in a charity run/walk: Whether you’re a seasoned runner or have just signed up to run your first 5K, many fundraising races accommodate the entire family. For younger children, look for events that allow jogging strollers or that host a Fun Run. Events that show the importance of communities working together for a larger cause can provide a bonus to the fun.

Shoe to try: Nike, Adidas and Converse all have a variety of “updated classic” styles available in men, women and children’s sizing, so that every family member can find a pair that reflects their personalities, while also providing necessary support for race day.

• Outdoor activities: Heading outdoors to go camping or hiking burns calories, while providing incredible views and memories.

Shoe to try: Built to go off-roading, ASICS hiking shoes features reversed lugs on the outsole to ensure a dependable grip both uphill and downhill.

• HIIT: High-Intensity interval training is being incorporated into a lot of workouts these days. HIIT workouts alternate a quick, intense period of exercise, such as running or cycling, followed by a short, active recovery.

Shoe to try: A lightweight cross training shoes with a stable base — such as a Nike Flex Trainer — are a good selection when it comes to HIIT workouts.

• Bodyweight training: The benefits of bodyweight training are seemingly endless. From pushups to squats, these exercises require no additional equipment and can be done anywhere and performed with many modifications. Get creative with your family by doing a circuit of your favorite bodyweight exercises in the park.

Shoe to try: A shoe with a mesh and synthetic upper material is designed to keep feet cool. Find this feature in a style, such as the New Balance, which also have special midsoles to ensure comfort from start to finish.

New footwear is a great way for each family member to show his or her style, while getting motivated to meet fitness goals. Once you’ve got the plan in place, get into a fitness routine that works for your family and stick with it. For a one-stop-shopping experience, visit the Athletic Shop at Rack Room Shoes in stores or online.

To help ensure that everyone meets their fitness goals, consider combining fun family quality time with your workouts.