The Family Fitness Guide to Building Lifelong Healthy Habits at Edge Fitness

The Family Fitness Guide to Building Lifelong Healthy Habits at Edge Fitness

Josh Tufte
Josh Tufte
6
 min read
October 16, 2025
The Family Fitness Guide to Building Lifelong Healthy Habits at Edge Fitness

The Family Fitness Guide to Building Lifelong Healthy Habits at Edge Fitness

heroImage

Let's be honest - getting your family to embrace fitness can feel like herding cats while riding a unicycle. One kid wants to play video games, another claims they're "allergic" to exercise, and your spouse insists they'll start working out "next Monday" (which has been the plan for six months now). But here's the thing: building lifelong healthy habits as a family isn't just about dragging everyone to the gym kicking and screaming. It's about creating a culture where fitness becomes as natural as brushing your teeth - and way more fun.

At Edge Fitness LLC in Kernersville and High Point, we've seen hundreds of families transform their relationships with health and wellness. The secret isn't in finding the perfect workout routine or buying the most expensive equipment. It's about starting small, staying consistent, and finding what works for your unique family dynamic.

Why Family Fitness Matters More Than You Think

When families exercise together, something magical happens. Kids who see their parents prioritizing health are 70% more likely to stay active throughout their lives. But it goes deeper than that. Family fitness time becomes bonding time, teaching moments, and confidence-building opportunities all rolled into one sweaty package.

Sarah M., a Edge Fitness member from Kernersville, puts it perfectly: "My kids used to think exercise was punishment. Now they ask when we're going to the gym together. It's become our special time, and I love watching them get stronger and more confident."

The ripple effects extend far beyond physical health. Families who exercise together report better communication, stronger relationships, and kids with higher self-esteem. Plus, let's face it - a tired kid is a well-behaved kid, and parents could use all the help they can get in that department!

Youth Martial Arts Class

Starting Small: The Edge Fitness Approach to Family Habits

The biggest mistake families make is trying to overhaul their entire lifestyle overnight. You know how it goes - January 1st hits and suddenly everyone's supposed to eat kale salads and run marathons. By February, the only thing getting a workout is your Netflix remote.

At Edge Fitness, we believe in the power of micro-habits. Instead of committing to daily hour-long workouts, start with 15 minutes of movement together three times a week. Maybe it's a family walk around Kernersville's beautiful downtown area, or perhaps it's a quick martial arts session in our kids' programs.

The key is consistency over intensity. Our trainers often tell families, "It's better to do something small every day than something big once a week." This approach helps create neural pathways that make healthy choices automatic rather than forced.

Age-Appropriate Activities That Actually Work

One size definitely doesn't fit all when it comes to family fitness, especially when you're dealing with different ages, interests, and energy levels. Here's how to make it work for everyone:

For Younger Kids (Ages 4-13): Think games, not workouts. Our youth martial arts classes turn fitness into play with obstacle courses, partner drills, and skill-building challenges. Kids this age need variety and fun - the moment it feels like work, you've lost them.

For Tweens and Teens (Ages 13-17): This is where things get interesting. Teenagers want to feel grown-up and capable. Our boxing and kickboxing classes give them an outlet for stress and energy while building real skills. Plus, there's something incredibly satisfying about punching things legally!

For Adults: You need programs that fit into busy schedules and actually deliver results. Our 24/7 access means you can work out when it works for your family, whether that's 5 AM before everyone wakes up or 9 PM after homework is done.

Edge Fitness Belt Promotion Celebration

Creating Your Family Fitness Schedule

The most successful families treat fitness like any other important appointment - it goes on the calendar and doesn't get bumped for less critical activities. But here's where many families struggle: they try to find the "perfect" time when everyone is free and energetic.

Newsflash: that time doesn't exist.

Instead, work with your family's natural rhythms. Are mornings chaotic in your house? Don't schedule 6 AM family workouts. Do your kids have energy to burn after school? Perfect - that's your window.

At Edge Fitness, we see families succeed with all kinds of schedules. Some come together for weekend morning sessions, others meet up for after-school martial arts classes, and some split up during the week but reconvene for Saturday family challenges.

The Hendersons, a High Point family of five, found their groove with "Fitness Friday" - every Friday after school, they spend an hour at Edge Fitness doing different activities together. "It's become the highlight of our week," says mom Jennifer. "The kids actually remind me if I forget!"

Overcoming Common Family Fitness Obstacles

Let's address the elephant in the room - family fitness isn't always smooth sailing. Here are the most common challenges we see and how to tackle them:

"I Don't Have Time"
This is usually code for "It's not a priority yet." Start with 10-minute family challenges at home. Do jumping jacks during commercial breaks. Park further from the store entrance. Small changes add up to big results.

"My Kids Aren't Athletic"
Neither were most Olympic athletes when they started. The goal isn't to create superstar athletes - it's to help your kids find movement they enjoy. Maybe traditional sports aren't their thing, but they might love martial arts, dance, or rock climbing.

"It's Too Expensive"
Quality fitness programs are an investment, not an expense. When you consider the cost of healthcare, the value of family bonding time, and the confidence boost for your kids, gym memberships pay for themselves. Plus, Edge Fitness offers family packages that make it more affordable than individual memberships elsewhere.

Edge Fitness Member Functional Training

The Community Factor: Why Edge Fitness Works for Families

Here's what makes Edge Fitness special for families in Kernersville and High Point: we're not just a gym, we're a community. When your 8-year-old earns their first belt promotion, the whole gym cheers. When your teenager masters a new boxing combination, their classmates celebrate with them.

This community support makes all the difference in building lasting habits. Kids (and adults) are more likely to stick with activities when they feel connected to others doing the same thing. It's the difference between exercising alone and being part of something bigger.

Mike T., a longtime member, shares: "My son was shy and reluctant to try martial arts, but the instructors and other families made him feel so welcome. Now he's teaching his little sister what he's learned, and they practice together at home. It's created this amazing family bond."

Making Fitness Fun, Not Punishment

The fastest way to kill family fitness motivation is to make it feel like punishment or obligation. Instead, focus on fun, achievement, and variety. Celebrate small wins - your daughter's first push-up, your son's improved flexibility, your spouse finally showing up to class without complaining.

Create family challenges and games. Who can hold a plank the longest? Can everyone learn a new martial arts form together? The goal is to associate fitness with positive feelings, not dread.

Building Habits That Last Beyond Childhood

The ultimate goal of family fitness isn't just to keep your kids active now - it's to give them the tools and mindset to stay healthy for life. This means teaching them that exercise isn't about punishment or appearance; it's about feeling strong, confident, and capable.

Kids who grow up in active families learn that fitness is a normal part of life, not a special occasion or New Year's resolution. They understand that movement is medicine, stress relief, and social connection all wrapped up in one powerful package.

Martial Arts Instructor Teaching Youth

Your Family's Fitness Journey Starts Here

Building lifelong healthy habits as a family isn't about perfection - it's about progress, consistency, and finding joy in movement together. Whether you're just starting out or looking to revitalize your family's approach to fitness, Edge Fitness in Kernersville and High Point is here to support your journey.

Our programs are designed to grow with your family, from youth martial arts classes that build confidence and discipline to adult fitness programs that help parents model healthy behaviors. We understand that every family is unique, and we're committed to helping you find what works for yours.

Ready to start building lifelong healthy habits with your family? Give us a call at 336-898-9144 to learn more about our family-friendly programs, or sign up online at https://edgefitnessllc.gymmasteronline.com/portal/signup.

Your future selves will thank you - and your kids will grow up knowing that taking care of their bodies is one of the most important gifts they can give themselves. Because at the end of the day, the family that sweats together, stays together.

Josh Tufte

Josh has over 25 years of martial arts experience as well as his CPT and SNS certifications for fitness training.