Parents are the number one
source affecting the way children feel about living a healthy lifestyle.
Children innately realize that Mom and Dad are their educators,
mentors, heroes, supporters, and role models throughout their lives.
This is a colossal responsibility for the adult, as children believe
that most behaviors by parents are acceptable actions, whether good or
bad. The bottom line: children are watching their parents’ every move,
mirroring their every action; if a parent is sedentary, there is a good
chance their children will be too. However, parents who eat healthily
and exercise with their children on a regular basis are teaching them
many valuable lessons.
Certified health coach and mother of two Pam Howard agrees. “Parents
who exercise with their children are not only teaching them how to live a
healthy lifestyle, they are also reinforcing the family bonds and
creating wonderful family traditions. It’s fantastic for super-busy
parents who wouldn’t get as much exercise as they need without
incorporating their kids in the process.”
A daily exercise program is essential for every child’s normal growth
and development. The benefits of exercise are endless, and go deeper
than just fighting heart disease and other adolescent risk factors for
poor health. Author and fitness expert Debbie Mandel states, “Children
who exercise do better academically and learn how to reduce stress. In
essence, adults in the household are showing children a healthy way to
relieve stress and improve their thinking while they (the adults)
practice what they preach. Children are always observing their parents
and picking up on their body language, not just their words.”
It is imperative that families make time to exercise together so that
it eventually becomes part of their routine. Dr. Marc Tinsley describes
his experience with this issue. “When I speak and consult with people
about health and fitness, many people look at their family obligations
as an obstacle to exercise instead of an opportunity. One of the main
problems is that people associate exercise with a gym or equipment. I
tell people to think ‘outside the barbell.’ Fitness isn’t about sweat,
six-packs, and sex appeal; it’s about having enough energy to do your
activities of daily living safely and effectively.”
Getting fit as a family does not have to be very time-consuming or
complex; it can be fun and creative. Here are seven simple suggestions
to help your family get fit together.
- Commercial-cize. Many children (as well as their
parents) watch a few hours of television each night. It is important for
families to reduce sedentary time. Whenever a commercial break comes on
the TV, exercise as a family. Try running in place, push-ups, or
jumping jacks during each commercial to keep everyone up and moving.
- Make an Exercise Video. Most portable cameras now
have a video function. Have your family create their own exercise video
where your kids are the stars. Everyone will get fitter creating the
videos, and at a future time, have fun exercising along with the video
over and over again.
- Dancing Can Be Fun. Nutritionist Lisa Suriano
suggests, “Just dance! Turn on the radio or pump up some fun songs on
your mp3 player to rock out together as a family. Jump around, do a
shimmy, shake your limbs and let the giggles ensue. With minimal effort,
you can burn some calories and have a super-fun, spirit-lifting family
time.”
- Going the Extra Step. Dr. Kathryn Cahill, a
pediatrician, states, “Parking farther away when running errands with
the kids, encouraging them to take the stairs with you when shopping,
and having them walk along the cart can increase their activity.”
- Allocate Time for Family Exercise Every Day.
Certified health and wellness coach Carrie Karkoska says, “It doesn’t
have to be much. Take a family walk after dinner and use that time to
talk about your days. Play a family game of football during halftime of
the game Dad is watching. Invite your kids to join you during your
cross-training or yoga DVD. They will not be able to do all the
exercises, but they will be moving and trying! Teach them that exercise
and sweat are really important, and that it can be fun!”
- Blend Technology With Play. Fitness professional
Jamie Atlas says, “Many games offer the chance to move with a partner
and be scored according to your accuracy, be it dancing, boxing,
bowling, I recommend checking out some of the electronic fitness
programs or other technologies out there to see how you can cross
generation gaps and meet somewhere in the active middle.”
- Play Your Cards Right. Fitness author Rocky Snyder
suggests, “Create your own Family Olympics. Go to your local track or
town pool and have races while your family goes for the gold!”
And remember: Families that PLAY together STAY together.
