|
ARTICLE OF THE WEEK:
Fitness � It�s A Family
Affair
Written by:
Sue DeFiore
Web Site:
Keep Kids Fit
OK, you are eating
healthier meals and now you want to get your family to exercise
together. First, sit down and talk about the different things you all
like to do. Give everyone a turn to come up with a week�s worth of
activities. Numerous studies have shown that if you exercise for 30
consecutive days it becomes a habit. So once you all get past the first
month it will become routine and part of your lifestyle. Just remember
to keep it fun and give everyone a chance to participate in coming up
with different things to do. Everyone wants to give input, no one likes
to be told over and over what to do!
One of my favorites is dancing. Everyone gets to pick their favorite
music and you all get to dance to it. It is also fun for the younger
generation to watch the older one dance.
Another favorite of mine is swimming. If you have
a YMCA, community center, or if your school is lucky enough to have a
pool see if you can get some swim time in. You can also get creative
here also with different types of swimming, races, or water ballet.
Another option if you have the pool to yourself is pool volleyball!
One great game the whole family can play is Twister, plus it has the
added advantage of stretching all those muscles. Be sure you play enough
games to get those muscles warmed up (4-8 games). Since weather is one
of the main reasons why many around the country don�t get outside to
walk, try going to the Mall. Walk at a nice brisk pace for at least
20-30 minutes or less if you feel you are getting short of breath. Then
since you are there reward yourself with some window shopping. If the
mall isn�t your thing, pick another indoor facility where you can do
some brisk walking.
Many who walk keep track of their steps with pedometers. They are
inexpensive and people love the feedback of how many steps they did in a
day. Get one for everyone in your family and see who walks the most
steps in a week. Whoever wins gets to decide on the menu for a week,
doesn�t have to do any clean up or chores. Or you could have prizes you
give away.
Since I am into weight training and especially enjoy circuit training,
you could try something like circuit training in your home. You could
start with stretching; and then move to running up and down the stairs;
then some floor exercises, such as sit ups, side bends, push ups. If you
have some type of equipment, like a treadmill, bicycle, Gazelle or
something along these lines you could also
add that into the circuit. Do each activity for a couple of minutes or
one repetition and then move to the next activity or �station�. You
could also place each activity in a different room and walk briskly or
jog to each �station�.
Get those creative juices flowing and I am sure in no time you can come
up with a whole bunch of other fun activities. Enjoy!
Copyright 2005, DeFiore Enterprises
Introducing Keep Kids Fit: A How To Guide For Setting Up And Running
Your Own Business In One Year Or Less! Solutions for parents who want
healthy children in body and mind! Our motto, �Eat Healthy, Live
Healthy, Help Keep Kids Fit� Keep Kids Fit asks the question: Do You
Want To Help Foster A Healthy Lifestyle For Your Child! If you answered
yes, then visit our web blog at:
http://hbsblogs.typepad.com/keepkidsfit/ and
visit our website today at:
http://www.keepkidsfit.com
If you have an article you would like to share please submit it to
stephanie@betweenmoms.com |
Article of the Week- between moms....
