Imagine the teenager who usually rolls their eyes when you ask them a question bursting out laughing when you struggle through a plank. The eight-year-old cheering you on as you struggle through fifteen burpees. Or cheers when you finally manage to stand on your head.  

These moments reveal something that is supported by recent research. When families exercise together, the usual dynamics between parents and children change, creating space for genuine connection and mutual respect. Exercising together doesn't just build stronger bodies, it builds stronger relationships.

The science behind training with children

Recent studies reveal great benefits when families move together. According to research published in Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare eight weeks of family training was enough to increase happiness by 5% and mental vitality by 11%. These are significantly greater improvements than exercising alone. 

The key factors? Social support, mutual motivation and strengthened emotional bonds.

A large Japanese study reinforced these findings. It showed that families who exercised together more than once a week reported better parent-child relationships and better parental mental health. Perhaps most importantly, these benefits extended beyond the exercise session itself.

In addition, family exercise can be an important step in instilling healthy exercise habits in your children. Children who become accustomed to exercise as part of their daily lives are more likely to continue exercising as they get older.

The magic happens because exercise creates what researchers call "relaxed opportunities for meaningful conversations." When everyone focuses on the same physical challenge, traditional power dynamics are softened. Parents aren't lecturing or directing, they're struggling alongside their kids, celebrating small victories together, and even asking for encouragement.

Why Naardic is suitable for training with children

Even though the research is clear on the benefits of family fitness, many struggle to get started. Traditional gyms often aren't accessible to younger children, and it's hard to find activities that work for different ages and fitness levels.

This is where Naardic's approach is perfect:

Variety that brings families together

With classes ranging from yoga and dance to strength training and fitness, every family can find something that truly inspires everyone. One day mum might choose HIIT, while the next the little one might choose Zumba.

Professional instructors for all ages

Our trainers can customise training sessions so that everyone from grandparents to grandchildren can participate safely and effectively. You get professional instruction without having to drop your kids off at mini-Sats.

Easy to know what to do

Finished training sessions removes the "what are we going to do?" feeling that stops many before they start. No planning required, just turn up together and let our motivated instructors guide the experience.

Home training

Exercising together in your own space preserves the informal conversation and family bonding that research shows is crucial for relationship building. Unlike traditional fitness classes where talking is a no-no, families can cheer each other on, share jokes and celebrate progress in real time.

Friend training

If some of the family members are not in the same place, this feature can help. Maybe grandma lives far away but needs to be active? Invite her to Naardic training instead of using Facetime. 

Create a family fitness culture

It's best to start with small, concrete steps. Choose activities based on genuine interest rather than what you think you "should" do. Let different family members choose their workouts. Celebrate effort over achievement, remembering that the goal is not perfect fitness, but shared experience.

What matters most is being together, supporting each other, and creating space for the family to see each other in new ways. Seeing you endure a tough workout builds respect and connection that extends far beyond exercise.

The research is clear: families that move together don't just get fitter-they get closer. In our increasingly disconnected world, that may be the most important fitness benefit of all.