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1. A family walk. This is a fun and inexpensive activity the whole family can enjoy. Be sure to spend at least 20-30 minutes moving at a fairly brisk pace. Not only are you being active as a family, but you're also interacting with your kids. A walk can be a great opportunity to talk to your kids and hear about what's going on in their lives.
   


2. Commericial-cize. It is estimated that kids watch more than 20 hours of television each week. If you watch television as a family, make those boring commercials a time of fun. Make it a competition and see how many jumping jacks, push-ups or sit-ups you can do in the same time it takes a typical commercial to run.
   


3. Exercise videos. Purchase an exercise video the whole family can enjoy. If your kids are older, get a hip-hop or dance video and let your kids teach you how to groove.
   


4. Household chores. Working around the house can be a form of exercise. Yard work, cleaning the garage, painting a fence or sweeping the driveway are great ways to accomplish chores and get everyone moving.
   


5. Family hikes. Make it an all-day activity by packing a lunch and taking all the necessary gear. Enjoy spending time together as a family, appreciate the great outdoors and increase your heart rate as well.
   


6. Bike rides. Make sure you have a safe environment in which to ride - then go!
   


7. Theme parks. Everyone always is tired after a day at the amusement park. All that walking around is great exercise, just don't indulge in all of the fatty foods around every corner. Instead, pack your own lunch and allow just one treat for the day.
   


8. Join a local gym. Check the gyms in your area to see which ones offer a family discount.
   


9. Walk to and from school. This is a great way to not only accomplish a daily task, but also talk with your children about their day and hear about what's going on in their world.
   


10. Basic calisthenics. Teach your children the proper way to perform basic exercises. Show them how to do a proper push-up, jumping jack or sit-up.
    


11. Eat healthy meals. Plan your meals for the week and be sure to include lots of fruits and vegetables, along with a balanced amount of protein and carbohydrates.
    


12. Play sports as a family. Challenge your kids to a pickup game of basketball, baseball, football, hockey, soccer or tennis.

Establishing a pattern of healthy eating and regular physical activity with your children can help them develop a lifelong habit of making smart diet and fitness choices. If you haven't been setting a great example up to this point, don't worry. It's never too late to start changing your family's attitude about health and fitness. Just remember, it starts with you! So get off the couch, and take your kids with you. Unplug the video games, throw out the unhealthy snacks and get moving. Your kids, and someday, their kids, will thank you for it.