On the path towards your fitness goals, you don’t have to go it alone! Partnering with family, friends, co-workers, or even using time with your kids as a time to get active, can support your physical wellness. Check out some of the benefits of getting fit with family and friends.
Increased Motivation and Accountability
Exercising with others can boost motivation and accountability, as workout partners encourage you to push harder and stay committed. Social fitness creates a sense of responsibility to show up and participate, reducing the likelihood of skipping workouts. As many parents know, kids are great accountability partners! If you plan a game of backyard soccer after dinner, or a weekend hike, the kids will usually be apt to remind you.
Enhanced Enjoyment
For many, fitness activities become more enjoyable when shared with others, making it easier to stick with a routine long-term. Whether it’s catching up with a friend while walking in a park, talking with your kids while playing in the backyard, or going for a weekend family hike. These shared activities promote physical health, while also serving our innate need for social connection.
Reduced Stress, Anxiety, Isolation
Social fitness provides emotional support, helping you stay positive and focused on your goals, especially during challenging times. Beyond the physical benefits, family-based movement fosters stronger emotional bonds and improves mental well-being. Participating in activities together can reduce stress, improve mood, and create a sense of connection and teamwork. It’s a time to unplug from screens and distractions, focus on each other, and enjoy the present moment. Additionally, when parents model an active lifestyle, it reinforces the importance of health and wellness, encouraging children to view physical activity as a natural and enjoyable part of life.
Takeaway
Is there an opportunity for you to focus on your physical wellness, with the added benefits of accountability and connection with others?
Written by: Stephanie Anklan, Registered Dietitian
