As the year winds down and summer begins, there’s no better time to focus on family, connection, and wellbeing. For many families, December means long days, school holidays, and a welcome break from routine. But it can also mean more time spent on screens, less structured activity, and a few too many festive treats.
That’s where family fitness comes in. Moving together is a powerful way to bond, recharge, and build lifelong healthy habits. And with Fitness Passport, it’s never been easier (or more affordable) for every member of the family to get involved.
The benefits of staying active as a family go far beyond the physical. Sure, regular movement helps improve strength, flexibility, and heart health, but it also supports mental wellbeing, boosts energy, and strengthens emotional connections.
Fitness Passport member, Lindsay from Western Australia, commented in our recent annual member survey: “Fitness Passport has been a total game-changer for me and my family. Access to so many gyms and pools across the country, all at a fraction of the cost. It’s flexible, affordable, and makes staying active ridiculously easy. Love it!”
When children see their parents prioritising movement, it normalises healthy behaviour. Research shows kids are more likely to be active as adults when they grow up in households that value physical activity. For parents, joining in helps turn ‘exercise’ into quality time not another chore squeezed between work and family life.
And for busy families, that’s the key: making fitness fit your lifestyle.
Christopher a Fitness Passport member in New South Wales, commented in our recent survey that there are multiple benefits of being a member: “Not only being able to exercise, but make family memories at the local aquatic centre and instilling value in exercise and activity with my children.”
Here are some of our favourite ways to get the whole family moving:
- Make the Pool Your Playground
Summer and swimming go hand in hand, and your local leisure centre is the perfect place to start. Most Fitness Passport partner facilities have family-friendly pool options plus dedicated kids’ splash zones, shallow play areas, and lap pools for the grown-ups.
Try setting a family challenge like swimming the length of the pool together, seeing who can float the longest, or creating your own mini aqua relay. Water-based play builds coordination and stamina, and best of all, everyone leaves feeling refreshed.
If your local centre offers aqua aerobics or learn-to-swim sessions, these are fantastic ways to add variety while building confidence in the water. Parents can even join aqua fitness classes while the kids do lessons in the next lane!
- Bring Back the Classic Family Sports Day
Who says fitness has to be serious? Sometimes the best exercise happens when no one even realises they’re working out. Turn a sunny afternoon into your own backyard or park sports day.
Think sack races, tug-of-war, frisbee challenges, or family relay races. Little ones can help with scoring or handing out ‘awards’ (stickers or frozen fruit pops work wonders).
- Try a Family Group Fitness Class
Many Fitness Passport partner gyms and leisure centres now offer family-friendly group classes, from Zumba and dance workouts to yoga and bootcamps designed for all ages.
A parent-and-child yoga session, for example, can teach balance, flexibility, and mindfulness while giving you a chance to unwind together. If your teens are old enough, encourage them to join you in a spin, circuit, or body pump class, it’s a great way to motivate each other and build confidence.
If you’re unsure what’s available, ask your facility’s team about holiday family passes or introductory classes. December often brings themed sessions like Christmas dance workouts or family fun days -perfect for breaking a sweat and spreading some cheer.
- Create a Family Fitness Challenge
Healthy competition can be a great motivator, especially when there’s a shared goal. Set up a family challenge for December:
- Step goals: Track daily steps using your phone or smartwatch and see who can reach 10,000 steps first.
- Activity bingo: Create a board with squares like ‘go swimming’, ‘do yoga’, ‘try a new sport, or ‘walk the dog’. First to fill a row wins a prize.
- Move for a cause: Choose a charity walk or fun run event and train together as a team.
The shared sense of achievement will strengthen both muscles and family bonds.
Staying Consistent (and Making It Fun)
Consistency is key, but fun is the secret ingredient. The more you enjoy moving together, the more likely it becomes a lasting habit. Here are a few simple tips to keep motivation high:
- Schedule it in – Treat family activity like an appointment you don’t cancel.
- Mix it up – Alternate between indoor, outdoor, structured, and free play activities.
- Celebrate progress – Reward consistency with experiences, not things. Maybe a family movie night after a week of workouts.
- Be flexible – If plans fall through, replace a missed session with an impromptu walk, dance-off, or swim.
Most importantly, keep perspective: movement is about health and connection, not perfection. Even 20 minutes together can make a difference.
Another respondent to our survey, member, Chantelle from New South Wales, commented: “Fitness Passport has been the greatest investment in my health and fitness I could have ever made. The variety of facilities means I can meet my specific fitness needs as they change. The option to include family members is an incredible way to stay accountable and connect with family through fitness. Thank you Fitness Passport team!”
If you’re ready to make fitness a family affair this summer, check your nearest participating centre and see what’s available near you. You might be surprised how many fun, family-friendly options are right around the corner.
