10 Science-Backed Reasons to Move With Your Family
Family time is supposed to bring us closer — but let’s be honest, it doesn’t always work that way. Sitting around, making small talk, or scrolling on separate screens doesn’t automatically create connection, no matter how much we want it to. What does change the dynamic is shared experience — especially when bodies are involved. Science consistently shows that moving together builds trust, lowers stress, and strengthens bonds across generations. And the best part? You don’t have to be athletic or coordinated to feel the benefits. You just have to move together.
It releases bonding chemicals (aka free love hormones). Moving together triggers oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins — the same chemicals linked to trust, closeness, and feeling connected. Translation: fewer awkward silences, more “that was actually fun.”
It makes conversations easier (especially the hard ones). Studies show people talk more openly while moving side-by-side than face-to-face. Walking, skating, or rolling gives the nervous system something to do — so words come out smoother.
It replaces small talk with shared experience. Instead of asking “So how’s work?” for the 19th time, you’re laughing about falling, cheering each other on, and sharing a moment you’ll actually remember.
It helps kids and adults regulate emotions. Movement helps burn off stress hormones (hello cortisol) and increases emotional regulation; meaning fewer meltdowns, less tension, and more patience across generations.
It builds confidence without a lecture. Mastering a new skill together, even something small, creates a visible sense of progress. Science shows shared achievement strengthens family bonds and self-belief in both kids and adults.
It turns “together time” into active belonging. Belonging isn’t just sitting in the same room, it’s participating. Moving together creates a sense of we did this, which is far more powerful than passive togetherness.
It levels the playing field between ages. When everyone is learning (and wobbling) together, hierarchy softens. Research shows shared novelty reduces power dynamics and increases empathy across age groups.
It boosts mental health without calling it “self-care”. Regular physical activity is linked to reduced anxiety and depression — and when done together, it adds social support, which dramatically increases those benefits.
It creates memories your brain actually keeps. Novel, emotional, physical experiences are more likely to be stored as long-term memories. Your brain remembers movement + laughter far better than another movie night.
It reminds everyone that bodies are for joy, not judgment. Family movement reframes fitness away from performance or appearance and toward feeling good, something research shows leads to healthier relationships with movement long-term.
At Rolla Skate Club, we’ve seen what happens when people choose movement together over spending time on technology apart. Parents and kids learn together. Adult children reconnect with parents without needing to rehash the past. Friends become teammates. Laughter replaces pressure.
You don’t need to be athletic. You don’t need to know how to skate. You just need to show up.
This New Year, we invite you to try something different. Come roll with us, reconnect with your people, and start a new holiday tradition — one built on movement, joy, and shared experience.
Start with one skate. Start together.
