Obesity is a horrible epidemic that can seep its way into families. Children are fast becoming part of this crisis. Family environment plays a predominant role in the lifestyle a child will lead. According to The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the home environment can impact the children's physical activity level.
If parents begin to weave physical activity into their family's lifestyle, it can not only model and encourage positive health and fitness for the children, but it can also bring family members closer together by sharing common goals. Below are some practical ways to incorporate physical activity into family living.
Daily Life
Developing a habit takes time and practice. In order to maintain positive changes to parenting methods, such as enjoying more time pursuing fitness together, new habits must be developed and reinforced on a daily basis. Here are some creative ways to sneak in more physical activity:
- Be the family who always parks in the back of the parking lot. Walk, skip, or jog to the store together.
- Jump rope while quizzing the kids on their homework or flashcards.
- Keep balls and rope in a the car to use when a spare moment arises. A foam ball to toss back and forth can be a godsend when threatened with boredom in a long line, for example.
- Begin the family habit of taking a walk after dinner. This is another good time to toss a ball back and forth, or play kick the can.
- Develop a morning stretching ritual. A few yoga poses together can help start the day off right.
Role Models
Everyone has role models. Unfortunately, many children's role models are probably not the most positive or beneficial. Take an active approach and expose kids to people that exemplify healthy, fit living. Books and movies are an attention getting way to help them identify with fitness minded role models. Schwarzenegger and Mia Hamm are good examples. Olympians and their dedication is another good place to start. Rudy (1993) is an inspiring movie that both adults and children love to watch.
Games and Activities
There are numerous, easy to play games that strongly encourage fun physical fitness. When people are having fun, the perceived level of exertion is much smaller. In other words, playing fitness games makes exercise fun, instead of work. Here are a few ideas for family fitness games and activities:
- For younger children, play Follow the Leader. As the leader, make large body movements, such as jumping over logs, doing jumping jacks, and waving arms around like a mad person.
- Learn to play a new sport together, such as racquetball or kickball.
- Try a martial art. It's a physical and mental discipline that family members of all ages can enjoy as they work towards a common goal together.
- Have casual races together. Run from Point A to Point B. Other racing methods would be to crabwalk, jog backwards, gallop, or slither.
- Practice for the Presidential Challenge and perform it at home for fun. See how the family members rank and then practice for a few weeks after that and try again to improve the rankings.
A love of fitness is a gift that parents can give their children that will serve them a lifetime. Parents can bring physical activities into daily life by developing habits, acquiring healthy role models, and having fun playing fitness games with their children. Family fitness is a rewarding journey.
 |
