Making Fitness a Family Affair
By Heather Massanova
In the last twenty years childhood obesity has doubled among children and more than tripled in adolescents. It’s not a secret that children are spending more time with video games and television than running and playing outside.
Children look to their parents to be role models and this includes making good lifestyle choices. Simply waving to your children as you head out the door for your daily run isn’t going to get them involved in a regular fitness routine. Bringing the entire family together to participate in fitness activities will not only help keep your kids healthy but can have additional positive side effects such as bringing your family closer together and shaking up your own fitness routine to include activities that your whole family will enjoy!
Here are some ideas to get you started.
Take it to the backyard
If you live in a house with a yard large enough to play outdoor games, take advantage! Family baseball, kickball or soccer require little equipment and can be played with only a few players, but the more the merrier. Invite the neighbors, too!
Bring new meaning to hanging out
Go to the neighborhood park, but don’t just sit and watch. Remember how you used to be a pro on the monkey bars? Give it a try now and you’ll be surprised what a good workout you’ll get, and you’re kids will be thrilled that you’re willing to play with them.
While your children are playing on equipment that may not be adult appropriate find a bench and do some step ups. Find a table and do some incline push ups; there are tons of activities you can create while watching your children play.
Join back in the family fun by creating an obstacle course out of playground equipment and play follow the leader or race your children through the course.
Talk to your kids
Ask your children what activities interest them, Even active kids tend to get into the same rut adults do, doing the same activities out of habit without giving much thought to what might be an exciting new adventure. Perhaps the family can learn to sail together? Maybe you have never made a serious effort to give your child an opportunity to share in one of your current activities like golf or tennis?
You might also be shocked to find your child has fitness goals you knew nothing about. They may want to increase fitness test scores at school or dream of finally beating their friend in a race down the block, and need your help to take their fitness to the next level.
Take it old school
Do you remember what you played as a child? Jump ropes, hula hoops croquet sets and slip and slides are still out there, they just don’t have all the bells and whistles of today’s toys so they often get bypassed. That doesn’t mean they don’t provide a great opportunity to share in some fitness fun with the kids. Kids love a challenge! A hula hoop contest with the whole family might rival your children’s time on the couch with the television if you show everyone how much fun you can have with fitness together.
Heather Massanova realized early on that her talents lay solidly in sports and fitness advocacy and instruction. She became certified as a tennis coach before she was old enough to legally be employed. Deciding to follow her passion for exercise, fitness and athletics, Heather earned a BS degree in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine and a Masters degree in Teaching and Physical Education. Heather worked in corporate fitness and wellness gaining broad experience in fitness testing, health and wellness instruction and exercise prescription. Heather is currently a Physical Educator at the Academy of the Holy Names, Tampa where she enjoys teaching students skills that will provide a base for lifelong fitness.
