Set the stage now with your children for a lifetime of fitness! With the rising rates of obesity, heart disease and depression, now is the time to role model a healthy lifestyle for our children. Sports and fitness activities not only increase fitness levels and keep weight down, but can also provide a hobby for life, and build lasting friendships. Here are a few tips to “Get Moving!”
1. Put exercise on your calendar! Making an appointment with yourself to exercise is just as important as your other commitments. Schedule time for exercise and it will soon be part of your routine.
2. Find a cause! The summer provides many opportunities for walks– 5K or one mile family runs — or bike rides for charities. Your family will be getting fit and helping others at the same time! What a valuable lesson for children stay fit and be involved in your community. Most states have running associations that list all events. Here are links for New Jersey to get you started: http://www.raceforum.com/ or http://www.runwalkjog.com/newjersey.htm
3. Get up and dance! Just turn on the music and have some fun in your living room. In addition to dancing being great exercise, the music can be uplifting as well. Create a “Dancing with the Family Event,” instead of, “Dancing with the Stars”! Have a family dance contest. It’s sure to get some laughs as well as providing a good source of exercise! Don’t forget to add some impromptu costumes to liven up the performance! There are many opportunities now for Moms and Dads to learn to dance. Interest in both ballroom and country western dancing has grown tremendously, so you can find lessons in studios and clubs in your area.
4. Join a team or sign up for some type of lessons as a family. Play softball, take a karate lesson or go to a Zumba or Jazzercise class. Many of these organizations have family events where parents and children can participate together. Park and Environmental Centers like http://www.somersetcountyparks.org/parksfacilities/eec/EEC.html provide many outdoor activities in hiking, kayaking, and outdoor education opportunities.
5. Exercise with your dog. But first, just like making sure you are healthy before taking on a new exercise routine it is also important to make sure Fido is fit for the new program whether it’s the addition of Frisbee or fetch sessions, or gradually increasing your daily walks. Remember a pet is a long term, year round commitment regardless of the weather or other events in your life. So if you don’t have a pet make sure your ready for the all the added responsibility before adding a dog to your exercise regimen!
6. Just get outside! In today’s high tech world, families spend so much time on computers, I phones, and television, reducing time devoted to exercise and socialization. Turn off the electronics and get outside. You can go for a walk or just play catch in the backyard or if you feel these activities are not productive enough, have your child help plant a garden or pull the weeds. This will help you accomplish something while everyone is increasing their (arm, back and core) strength bending, digging and weeding!
For more information about fitness month and national statistics on fitness visit the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sport at http://www.fitness.gov/
