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Family Fitness

Family Fitness – Setting a Good Example

If you lead a healthy and active lifestyle your kids won’t have much choice but to follow suit.  Family fitness is important in helping establish good fitness habits in children from an early age.  And don’t think it has to be a regimented routine, getting out for a family bike ride or a walk in the park all count. 

Here are a few tips to healp you establish a family fitness routine:

As a young child, I clearly remember spending my summers outside, playing with my friends.  I left the house shortly after breakfast, and didn’t come home until it got dark.  Nowadays, children are leading a more sedentary lifestyle, and parents need to encourage kids to be more active.

Younger kids can get quite a workout just by visiting the local playground.  Activities such as monkey bars and playing tag develop a child’s strength, speed and agility; things like biking and rollerblading are great aerobic exercises.  Parents may also want to consider a “Mommy and Me” class to get the two of you moving together – and provide some bonding time as well!

As your child ages and becomes a teenager, the tendency to be even more sedentary exists.  Encourage your child to participate in team sports, but allow him or her to choose what activities to participate in.  If your teen is self-conscious about participating in team sports, encourage them to work out with exercise videos.  Parents may also want to make rules about how many hours per day their children can watch television, use the computer, or play video games.

Parents also need to be aware that your children will follow your lead.  Try making small changes to your own routine like taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator, or getting outside on your lunch hour and taking a brisk walk.  At home, plan activities that the entire family can do together instead of sitting in front of the television.

Family activities don’t have to be limited to conventional team sports like basketball or football:  expand your horizons!  Try things like soccer, going for a hike, or rollerblading.  Consider having a family “game night” and play a game of Twister!  Games like “Capture the Flag” or “Duck, Duck, Goose!” are fun and easy to involve the kids in.  Don’t be afraid of acting silly Mom!

Get up, get moving, get outside and have fun with your kids!  Not only will you be teaching them powerful lessons about the importance of physical activity, you’ll reap health benefits yourself, and strengthen your bonds with your kids.

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