10 Tips to Keep Your City Family Active

With all it has to offer, the city can be an exciting place to raise a family. Still, even though it may seem like you're always on the run, taking time to exercise can sometimes get lost in the process. To help keep you and your family in shape, fitness expert Kristen James, CEO and founder of Kristen James Fitness, provides 10 ways a city family can stay active. And in keeping with a busy family's schedule and budget, each one is inexpensive and easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

Getting around a major city usually requires the bus, the subway or a car. But James recommends you trade those modes of transportation for something a little more pedestrian whenever you have the chance. "Use 'active' transportation to your destination: inline skating, biking and walking," she said. This is a great way to fit exercise into your schedule without sacrificing a large amount of time.

Exercising may not be fun or engaging for everyone in your family, so give them a reason to want to participate. "Buy pedometers for the family and add a little competition by setting goals for each individual on how many steps they take in a day," James said. Setting goals and awarding prizes for achieving those goals provides great motivation for both kids and adults. James also recommends training for an event together. "Join a run or a walk — some cities even have family triathlons — and train together as a family for the competition," she said.

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Sometimes you just can't get outside to exercise. Maybe it's raining or perhaps you have a lot of chores to do. Regardless, you can still keep your family active thanks to today's gaming systems. James suggests trying out some of the activities available with the Wii Fit Plus or the Wii Sports Resort. Both are great for adults and kids to play together while getting fit, she said.

Play dates are ideal for giving kids time to run and play with their friends, but parents can get into the act as well. "Have a play date in the park, and be sure to not sit on the park bench while your kids swing from the monkey bars," James said. "Instead, play a game of Frisbee, tag, leap frog or hopscotch [with them]."

Forget the traditional gym membership and look for a family-friendly option instead. James recommends seeking out a fitness or community center that offers classes children and adults can take together. This is a great way to keep the entire family excited and motivated to exercise.

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Most kids have more than enough toys to keep them occupied for a while. But to keep them moving and fit, James suggests increasing the number of "active" toys your kids play with and to join them during the day. "Jump ropes, basketballs and sleds (during the winter months) are inexpensive toys that all ages can enjoy," she said. Other great ideas include hula hoops, soccer balls, skateboards and bikes.

When the weather is bad, finding ways to exercise can be a challenge. To keep you on track year-round, James recommends finding a local indoor swimming pool or tennis court where the entire family can work out together. Oftentimes, these are available at area gyms, community centers or a nearby YMCA.

Staying active doesn't have to mean routine exercise. Look for new and adventurous opportunities around your city that will keep you fit. One idea? James suggests indoor rock climbing. Other options include trampoline parks, ropes courses and ziplining. Any of these are great for kids and adults of all ages and fitness levels.

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Cold weather doesn't have to keep your family from staying active. "Winter weather is amazing for a great workout on the ice rink," James said. Other winter activities could include playing ice hockey, building snowmen and having a snowball fight. For extra challenge and adventure, travel a short distance outside of the city for some downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing.

Take advantage of those city skyscrapers and use the stairs when you can. According to the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, hitting the steps burns five times as many calories as standing in an elevator. Some cities buildings even host official races in their stairwells. Encourage the whole family to choose the stairs whenever possible. It's a daily way the whole family can keep active.