As a Peloton Instructor teaching members across the globe, movement is at the core of my life.
But even more than that, as a mum, Iโve seen firsthand how powerful fitness can be in bringing a family together. Itโs not just about staying physically active; itโs about connection, setting an example, and creating lifelong habits that benefit both body and mind.
Like many parents, I juggle a lot; work, school drop-offs, extracurriculars, and just the everyday chaos of raising two daughters, Eden Grace (10) and Emery Faith (8, going on 18!). Some days, it feels like there arenโt enough hours to get everything done, let alone fit in a workout. But, over time, Iโve realised that making fitness a family affair isnโt about carving out extra time; itโs about weaving movement into the life we already have.
Why Keeping the Whole Family Active Matters
Fitness has always been my anchor. It came into my life during a challenging time when I was struggling with infertility, and it became my escape, my healing, and eventually my purpose. Now, itโs something I share with my daughters, not just as an Instructor, but as a mum who understands how transformative movement can be.
Keeping kids active isnโt just about physical health; itโs about mental wellbeing, too. One of my daughters has ADHD, and weโve found that movement and mindfulness help her regulate emotions in a way that nothing else does. Whether itโs a quick run or a calming meditation, that time together is so important for her, and for me, as a parent, to see how fitness can empower her.
But more than anything, Iโve learned that kids do what they see. My daughters watch me make movement a priority, and because of that, theyโve made it a part of their lives too. They want to be as strong as Mum. They see fitness as fun, not as a chore. And that, to me, is everything.
Overcoming the Challenges
Letโs be realโgetting the whole family to agree on anything, let alone fitness, can be tough. Some days, my daughters want to do a Disney Yoga Flow while Iโm squeezing in an interval run on the Peloton Tread. And thatโs okay! Fitness doesnโt have to mean everyone doing the exact same workout. Itโs about creating an environment where movement is a natural, expected part of your routine.
One of the biggest barriers is time. Between school, work, and sports, itโs easy to feel like there just arenโt enough hours in the day.
My advice? Make it a non-negotiable. In our house, Saturday mornings mean fitness time togetherโitโs just part of the routine now. Some weeks, that might be a big workout session. Other weeks, it might be something as simple as a 10-minute walk after dinner. Life happens. Plans shift. But if movement is a priority, youโll always find a way to fit it in, even if itโs just for a few minutes.
For those whose kids arenโt naturally drawn to fitness, find their connection point. One of my daughters is obsessed with basketball, so weโve built fitness into her trainingโwhether itโs working on her endurance or doing quick sprints to help her last longer on the court. My girls are also huge Taylor Swift fans, so putting on a Peloton Artist Series class and letting them dance their way through a workout makes it feel like a party, not a chore.
Simple Ways to Get Started
If youโre looking for easy ways to get the whole family moving, here are a few things that have worked for us:
Movement after meals: A quick walk after dinner is an easy habit to build, and letting your kids choose the music makes it even more fun.
Incorporate their interests: Whether itโs basketball drills, dance parties, or obstacle courses, find what lights them up and make movement feel like play.
Mindfulness moments: Fitness isnโt just about the bodyโitโs about the mind, too. Family meditation or stretching together can help kids feel calm, safe, and confident.
More Than Just Fitness – Building Family Bonds
Beyond the physical benefits, staying active as a family strengthens your bond. Itโs time spent together, away from screens and distractions. It teaches kids resilience, self-care, and the importance of prioritising their health. And maybe most importantly, it gives them permission to take care of themselvesโsomething we, as parents, sometimes forget to do for ourselves.
At the end of the day, thereโs no perfect formula. Some weeks, weโre nailing it. Other weeks, life throws a stomach bug our way and the plan goes out the window. Thatโs okay. The goal isnโt perfection – itโs consistency, grace, and showing our kids that movement is a gift, not a punishment. Fitness saved me when I needed it most. Now, itโs my joy to share that with my daughters. However you choose to do it, I hope you can find a way to make movement a part of your familyโs life, too. Because when you move together, you grow together.
Kirsten welcomes runners of all levels in her motivating classes. A successful career woman turned fitness instructor, Kirsten wholeheartedly embraces the changes that life brings. After seven years of working with the NFL, she shifted her focus to family. Her journey to motherhood was not easy, and fitness helped Kirsten strengthen her body and soul during difficult times. She is now the proud mother of two beautiful daughters and uses her life experiences to fuel her deeply inspiring workouts. Get lifted with Kirsten as you run together to the beats of her favorite hip hop and R&B tracks.