Sport and family: practical advice for an active life

Despite the fair sharing of tasks and mental load within your family, you are still wondering how to integrate physical activity into your schedule ? Our collaborator Sarah, founder and president of Bougeotte et Placotine, gives you her tips for getting there!

Is it possible to be active parents?

Unless you are a seasoned athlete, physical activity is often one of the first things to be squeezed out of parents' schedules. Justin's soccer, Lili's basketball and Margaux's karate often take priority. After homework, work, children's activities, meals, housework, friends and family, it can be difficult to find just a few minutes for active leisure activities for parents.

As we know, having healthy lifestyle habits is a challenge for the majority of the population. In fact, reaching the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity seems impossible. However, many parents succeed. How do they do it? I'll reveal some of my tips, as well as theirs.

Idea #1: Talk to your life partner 

Before adding physical activity to your life, but also to the life of the whole family, it is important to have a discussion with your partner to discuss this new priority . Of course, it is preferable not to upset the family balance too much. On the other hand, a discussion to clarify everyone's needs and establish a certain fairness by discussing the time each person needs is often the first step to take.

Idea #2: swap the restaurant for a sporting activity 

Exercising as a couple can also be a good way to successfully integrate sports into the family schedule. First, you have to find a physical activity that you and your partner enjoy. Then, from time to time, simply replace dinner at a restaurant with a game of tennis, a trip to a climbing centre, a walk, a hike or a game of 21 basketball. Otherwise, why not go skating or discover a new sport? Guaranteed quality time, both for you and for the couple!

Idea #3: Surround yourself with active people

Of course, Bougeotte et Placotine allowed me to meet a bunch of active moms. Seven years later, these moms are my cross-country skiing and jogging partners in the evenings and mornings. Rather than going to the spa, we organize a cross-country skiing challenge and plan outings on weekday evenings using Facebook. In addition to catching up on news, we get active and take care of our friendships!

Idea #4: Plan your training times 

Are you busy with your schedule? The first thing to do is to discuss with your partner the best time to work out. For some, it’s very early in the morning before the rush sets in, for others it’s in the evening once the kids are in bed. Then, once everyone agrees, planning it and putting it on your calendar is the first step towards success. If you have an hour free at work, why not bring some gym clothes, snacks and presto, you’ll make the most of the time? And why not bring some work colleagues along with you?

Idea #5: Move at the same time as your children 

At our house, we have always optimized the time when our children are at their activities. One goes to the gym to run while the other who brought the child there leaves the car and returns to the run. Or why not complete a small bodybuilding circuit during soccer practice or go cross-country skiing while the children are at their skating lessons? I guarantee that everyone will have a smile on their face!

Idea #6: Play sports as a family 

Discovering a new activity as a family or introducing your children to sports are such magical moments. Whether it's learning to play tennis and exchange balls on the wall, going hiking, throwing balls at the basket, going to the swimming pool or playing tag at the park, the important thing is to keep your child's heart and adapt to their abilities.

Becoming an active person or family requires taking action. Discussing it with all family members as well as your spouse is the first step. Taking time for yourself also means setting an example for others around you and saying that time to move, time for yourself, is important.

I wish you lots of active moments alone, with friends or family!

This blog post is part of our special “Parenting Team” feature. To view all the content of this feature, which offers you tips and advice on how to better work as a team as parents and effectively share the mental load, check out this article !