This article was written by Amy Jones, Family Promise’s Manager of Volunteer Engagement, and was originally published on The New Jersey Healthy Communities Network.
The way we think about our bodies and move our bodies has been greatly disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With gyms closed and social distancing mandates in outdoor park settings, it is a challenge to set and meet fitness goals.
Physical activity has vast benefits, including mental and emotional benefits, and we thought the families in our network could use a positive activity to pursue together now more than ever. We wanted them to reap all the benefits of physical activity and have activities they could enjoy as a family.
The 21-Day Family Fitness Challenge is the answer!
Jasneet Punia and Hope Kovera, two college-aged Family Promise volunteers designed a calendar of 21 days of family-friendly fitness activities, anticipating that it takes three weeks to establish a new healthy habit. Hope selected activities such as taking a walk as a family, trying a new workout video from the Summit YMCA, or spelling words with a “fitness alphabet.” Each activity was chosen with children and adults in mind so that the whole family can try each thing together. Jasneet made instructional videos for exercises and helped select prizes for the challenge.
What’s a challenge without a reward? The first twenty families to register received a free gift: a yoga mat, “fitness dice” for physical activity inspiration, and two jump ropes (adult and child-sized).
Participants were urged to join the Family Promise Union County Community Facebook page upon registration. Here, staff and volunteers send daily reminders, encouraging messages, and information about healthy lifestyles.
When families turn in their completed calendars, they will be entered to win one of ten final prizes. New healthy habits have really great rewards!
Overlook Family Medicine and Family Promise Union County have partnered to provide health education to the many families we serve who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
