Staying healthy and fit through a regular exercise route can be a challenge for a busy family, but Greg Trent, a personal trainer in Riverhead, said there are a number of ways to work your body this summer while also spending quality time with your entire family.
“Once you exercise with your family, everyone will be on the same page, even if they have different fitness goals,” said Trent, who regularly exercises with his wife, daughter and son. “Everyone will start running on the same cylinder, doing the same thing, which is taking care of yourself and wellness, which is most important.”
When it comes to exercising as a family, Trent said there are a number of activities you can do together either everyday of the week or a few times a week. You can even mix up the activities, he said for a greater variety of weekly activity.
Take a Walk
Taking a fast-paced, one-mile walk five times a week is a great way for every member of your family to not only get a cardiovascular workout, but spend quality time together, Trent said. Not to mention, he said, that it doesn’t cost a cent. Walking, he said is even great for families with little ones since parents can grab a stroller and hit the pavement while their little ones enjoy some fresh air.
Swimming
Trent said he highly recommends swimming as a family in the summer, not only because kids love to swim, but it is less harsh on the bones. “Swimming is one of the best cardio activities you can do,” said Trent, who recommends swimming at least three times a week for about a half-hour to 45 minutes. And on the North Fork, he said there are plenty of places to swim, including in the Long Island Sound.
Hiking
Grab your bug spray and head to one of the North Fork’s trails, from Wildwood State Park, to Orient State Park and Laurel Lake to hike a trail or two. “Hiking is an excellent activity to do with the family and it allows for a number of types of training since you will be moving up and down hill,” he said. Trent said he recommends taking a one to two mile hike with the family at least two times a week. “What’s better than spending time with your family out in nature,” he said.
Bike Riding
One of Trent’s favorite family activities is bike riding. “When you are bike riding, you are doing cardio and having fun at the same time,” he said. Trent said that, like walking, you can even take your littlest children along by strapping a child seat on your bike. What’s also great about bike riding is that you can do it just about anywhere, from your own street to a number of local parks, he said.
Kayaking
With so many waterways on the North Fork, Trent recommends taking advantage and renting kayaks for every member in your family to get a whole body workout. “When you kayak, you use your arms and legs and you really have to squeeze your core to get those oars through the water,” said Trent, adding that kayaking is also a great activity because it puts you and your family in the water with a beautiful view while working out.
