How can my family and I be more active in our leisure time?
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What do we mean by leisure?
Leisure is time that's free from the demands of work or other daily tasks. People tend to use their leisure time to do things that they find fun, interesting and enjoyable. These activities can be active (like gardening, walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, skateboarding) or more passive (like reading, watching TV, playing video games or surfing the web). It’s a good idea to participate in both active and passive activities.
How do most of us spend our leisure time?
According to the Canadian Fitness & Lifestyle Research Institute, a little less than half of adults and youth in Canada are active during their leisure time. Walking is the most popular leisure activity. Other popular activities are gardening, home exercise, cycling, swimming, running, and basketball.
How to become a more active family
Think about the things that prevent your family from being physically active. What are your family's reasons for choosing non-active activities? Non-active activities aren't “bad” activities, but to gain health benefits, try to replace some non-active leisure activities with active things your family can do. Your plan should be creative and fit the needs of both you and your family.
Here are some ideas on how to spend your leisure time as an active family:
- Get excited!
Have a family meeting. What types of activities would everyone like to try? See what sorts of activities are available, and commit to trying them together. Keep trying different activities until you find something everyone enjoys. You will be more likely to stick with activities that you enjoy. Other families may want to join in and may also be a source of great new ideas!
- Choose inexpensive activities
Being active doesn't mean that you have to spend money. You can use many public parks, trails, skating rinks, tennis courts and playgrounds for free. Look for these in your community, or ask your local parks and recreation association for locations. Visit them regularly as a family or get a few families together.
- Build more active leisure time into your day
We all have a lot to do every day, such as work, school, housework, etc. Find ways to combine active leisure and your routine activities and replace some passive activities with active ones. Here are some examples: - Walk with your friend to the coffee shop instead of driving there.
- Walk the dog together as a couple or as a family.
- Ride your bike to the video store.
- Take dancing lessons with a friend.
Remember, leisure activities can be done at different times throughout the day. For example:
- Do a bit of yoga first thing in the morning to help you to start your day on a positive note.
- Go for a 10-minute walk during your lunch break.
- Spend an evening glow bowling (bowling under special lights with glow-in-the-dark bowling balls).
- Choose a variety of activities
Sometimes an activity just isn't available or the weather won't co-operate. Think of this as an opportunity to try different or new activities. Figure out what attracts you to particular activities. For example, are you more attracted to them because they're exciting, social, relaxing or interesting? Look for other activities that attract you in the same way. Try different activities until you find one that is fun and makes you feel good. Replacing one activity with another is a good way to stay active while trying new things.
For more information on leisure activities in your area, check your local newspapers or contact your local parks and recreation department.
Resources
- Find Your YMCA – YMCA
- Provincial Territorial Parks and Recreation Partners – Canadian Parks & Recreation Association
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