Fitness is a Family Routine

 

The alarming facts about family fitness reveal that one in five American children between 12 and 17 years old are overweight with two-thirds unable to pass a basic test of physical fitness.

Further, the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports reported that two in five children have signs of circulation or heart problems. With these distressing facts in mind, clearly fitness needs to be a family routine.

Here are some tips to get your children and yourself in better shape:

Children learn what they live. Work out yourself and your kids will follow your lead. Include your children in simple workout routines.

Incorporate exercise into your everyday life. Whether you walk the dog together, romp in the park or take a stroll after dinner, include fitness in your family routine just like eating, sleeping and bathing.

Minimize television and computer time. Keep the television and computer in the family room so you can monitor how long your children are using them. Do not put televisions or computers in your kids’ rooms.

Make fitness fun. Instead of spending family time at the movies or sitting around, plan hikes, bowling, camping, fishing and other activities that promote both fitness and fun.

Get your children involved in physical activities. Dancing, karate and sports teams are great ways to encourage your children to get moving. If you are on a budget, consider budget-priced community activities through the YMCA or other local organization.

By adding fitness to your daily family routine, you can ensure a healthy future for your children and yourself.