The Rockwellian image of the nightly family dinner is becoming harder and harder to create for American families. Commitments to jobs, school, outside obligations, and irregularly scheduled meetings frequently place barriers between loved ones. Similar obstacles are also placed (or land with a thud) in the way of daily exercise, allowing unhealthy behaviors to enter -- and take up temporary residence -- in the home.

Thankfully, there still are many ways to spend quality time with your family and, as a very healthy bonus, burn some calories in the process. The folks at Parents.com have come up with a great list of ways to do just this, in their article 10 Ways to Exercise as a Family.

• Go for pre- or post-dinner walks
• Crank up the music and boogie down!!
• Make a game out of household chores
• Sneak workouts into other activities
• Turn TV commercials into fitness breaks
• Have a weekly sports night
• Walk or run for charity
• Put kids to work in the yard
• Team up for gardening
• Walk the dog

For a detailed description of each of their ten great suggestions, visit the Parents.com website by clicking here.