Incorporating Family Fitness into New Back-to-School Routine
As kids across Houston get ready to head back to school, families will fall into a new seasonal routine.
Between work, parent pick-up and drop-off, extracurricular activities and other obligations, maintaining
a focus on fitness might seem difficult to do. Exercise is not only important for physical reasons, but
mentally and emotionally as well. Orangetheory Fitness, which has studios all over the Houston area,
has some unique ideas to incorporate physical activity into your family’s daily schedule to maintain a
healthy lifestyle heading into fall.
1. Start the Day with Movement: Mornings can be rushed, but taking a few minutes for exercise can set
a positive tone for the day. Encourage the family to engage in a quick stretching routine, a short yoga
session, or a brisk walk around the block before everyone heads out.
2. Walk or Ride a Bike to School: If possible, opt for walking or biking with your child to school instead of
driving. This not only adds physical activity to your day but also reduces traffic congestion and promotes
environmental consciousness.
3. Active Commuting: If walking or biking to school isn’t possible, consider parking a bit farther away
from the school and walking the remaining distance. This simple change can add extra steps to your day
and create additional time for you and your child to spend together.
4. Homework Break Workouts: Incorporate short exercise breaks while doing homework. Set a timer for
15-20 minutes of focused work, followed by a quick dance party, jumping jacks, or a round of squats.
These breaks can boost productivity and energy levels.
5. After-School Fitness Adventure: Instead of immediately settling into screens, encourage the family to embark
on an after-school adventure. Explore local parks, go for a nature hike, or engage in a game of tag!
6. Family Sports/Fitness Time: Designate specific days for family sports activities. Whether it’s basketball, soccer,
or a game of catch, participating in sports together not only ensures fitness but also strengthens family
bonds. Take turns deciding who gets to pick the next event.
7. Weekend Fitness Outings: Plan active outings on weekends. Consider family bike rides, swimming
trips, or a visit to a trampoline park. These outings can provide a fun way to burn calories while spending
quality time together.
8. Set Up a Home Gym: Create a designated space at home with simple fitness equipment, like
resistance bands, yoga mats, or a stability ball. This makes it convenient for family members to fit in
quick workouts anytime.
9. Screen Time Swap: Limit screen time by encouraging alternatives like playing outdoor games or going
for a family walk. Designate specific times for screens and balance them with physical activity.
10. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate fitness achievements together. Whether it’s
completing a week of morning stretches or achieving a certain number of steps, recognition reinforces
positive habits.
11. Lead by Example: Don’t forget to take time for yourself and what you enjoy doing to be active.
Parents’ actions speak louder than words. When children witness their parents prioritizing fitness,
they’re more likely to embrace it themselves.
As you dive into the busy back-to-school routine, remember that incorporating fitness doesn’t have to
be complicated. By making intentional choices and involving the entire family, you can seamlessly weave
physical activity into your daily schedule, promoting health and well-being for everyone.
And parents, if you don’t have a fitness routine for yourself, check out an Orangetheory Fitness studio
near you. The workouts use heart-rate based interval training, working five heart-rate zones to increase
your metabolism and help you burn more calories.
