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Schedules fill quickly, and days that feel productive rarely include activities that focus on families, and their fitness.

"We're all getting busier and busier, and it's hard for people to find time for themselves, I absolutely know that," says Jan Carlsen, General Manager at the Ogden Athletic Club. "But in reality, we feel the best about ourselves when we take care of ourselves — and fitness is just a small part of that."

Fitness experts at Ogden Athletic Club, which is located 1221 E. 5800 South in South Ogden, say that taking care of ourselves doesn't require chiseling out hours in a day to spend on self-indulgent activities. Making children and families part of fitness can have lasting effects on you, and your children, and can seamlessly fit into any schedule.

"It's more engaging and less intimidating," said Becky Voight, Group Fitness and Personal Trainer. "We have an amazing child care center and we have varying levels of activities for children so parents can know that their kids are getting the best for two hours while they do something for themselves."

Here are five ways to make family fitness a fun and rewarding part of your routine:

1. Piece-of-mind for parents

"We are building a whole new playroom for a kids — the kids aren't just being dumped off somewhere," Voight says.

Depending on the age of the children, Ogden Athletic Club has various activities available for youngsters ranging from coloring to Parisi speed training for young athletes.

Having an exciting, energetic program for children benefits parents too; keeping your child engaged while you work out keeps you interested in your workout as well.

2. Yoga, but better

Carlsen said that since the Ogden Athletic Club invested in its newest yoga studio, the space has been a hit for clients, couples and families so far.

The state-of-the-art wall at the yoga studio will open up new ways for everyone in the family to explore yoga and release critical endorphins during exercise that helps us stay balanced and healthy.

"This is a marvelous way to increase your positive energy and feel ready for your day," Carlsen says.

3. Let's ride

Since Ogden Athletic Club added new, high-tech stationary bicycles with Performance IQ, Voight says interest in cycling programs and other cycling workouts has spiked.

"You can have a realistic measure of what you're doing on the bike," Voight says. "That helps bring you into the experience and work in an efficient way that keeps you interested in your progress."

Since introducing the classes, Voight says that the club has worked to integrate couples and families into the classes to keep families motivated to commit to fitness in a fun way.

4. Break into the racket

The Ogden Athletic Club features a tennis center that all ages and activity levels can appreciate. The club offers classes and training for beginners to experts and can easily help bring a four-season sport into your regular routine.

Indoor and outdoor courts mean that players can find time to relax and play year-round.

"Start a sport that helps to motivate you and brings you a new group of friends with a common interest, while enjoying a great workout," Carlsen says.

5. Rise to the top

An afternoon swim combined with a warm-down in a Jacuzzi or dry sauna can do more than tone your arms and legs — it can also improve your mental health.

"Swimming can give you a break from you busy life," Carlsen said. "A swim and soak in the hot tub can be like your own personal spa day."

Like everything else at the club, children aren't left out of the aquatics fun either. Swim lessons are offered at the club for children of all ages and abilities.

Ogden Athletic Club is located at 1221 E. 5800 South in South Ogden. The club is open 4:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4:30 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information go to ogdenathletic.com or call 801-479-6500.