Exercise for the whole family

28.05.2009

Encourage your family to get active and make exercise a habit for life

Everyone can benefit from regular exercise. We know that, but how many adults are really doing it? Of course some do, but let’s be honest - there are still many who do not.

Some may have short lived attempts, booking every class that's available at the gym for the next month but then soon lose interest. That's a case of too much, too soon and not allowing space for the rest of their life to happen. Exercise has to be fitted in, a realistic amount of time has to be made for it and it has to be something enjoyable or fun - preferably both.

Of course there are those who have the best intentions but it just never seems to happen. Even for those who go out and buy all the new kit. An excuse can always be found for not exercising!

But, hang on, let’s remember that as adults and parents we are role models for our children. Good exercise habits embedded while our children are young will mean good exercise habits for life.

How to get the good exercise habit

Make it fun, take part in exercise activities you enjoy and encourage your children to do the same, after all they will take their lead from you.

Exercise doesn't have to be hard slog and something to be dreaded. What do you enjoy doing? Make a list of activities you like. What do your children enjoy? Encourage them to make a list too.

Items on your list might include exercising in the gym, jogging, swimming, walking, or taking an exercise class. Items on your children's list might include playing football, playing table tennis, ice skating, dance classes, or cycling. Very often a child’s choice is not seen by them as exercise at all but as a fun activity and they may not even realise it is good for them.

Make the most of this 'enjoyment' for the younger family members and when you begin to see it as fun you may even want to join in. What a brilliant achievement that would be.

The Benefits of Exercise

Everyone can benefit from regular exercise. An adult or child who is active will:

1. Have stronger muscles and bones
2. Have a leaner body because exercise helps to control body fat
3. Be less likely to become overweight
4. Have a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Regular exercise also helps to lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels and helps to promote an improved outlook on life.

Kids who are physically fit sleep better and are better able to handle the physical and emotional challenges that a typical day presents - be that running to catch a bus, bending down to tie a shoe, or studying for a test.

Exercise helps us all to feel good, fit and healthy.

Top tips to help you and your family enjoy the benefits of exercise

1. Create a list of exercise activities you enjoy - remember these can be fun activities... Get imaginative!
2. Encourage the younger members of the family to do the same
3. Making a list is not enough - make the time to take the exercise
4. Get someone to exercise with, an exercise buddy
5. Vary the activities, this is good for your muscles and prevents boredom
6. Wear good trainers if your activity requires them, look after those joints
7. Always wear layers so you can cool off when you need to
8. Try something different….rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing (seek out expert help for these)
9. Drink plenty of H2O...hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
10. Make exercise fun, enjoy it and do it regularly!