Blending fitness into family life

Staying fit, by Anya Petersen-Frey

It seems to work so well in magazines and on television: the young professional mother or father stops by the health club after work for a 45-minute workout, then arrives home for dinner feeling great. Exercise just blends into the rhythm of the day like a well-oiled machine.

Is this reality? Not for many of us. If you aren't rushing home from work to take care of a sick child, helping to get dinner on the table or stopping at the store to pick up essentials, you may be carpooling the kids to late afternoon activities. However, whether you have time for it or not, exercise is vital for a healthy life. If you plan wisely and help the family understand the importance of a fitness routine, you can adopt exercise as part of your daily activities. The key is to re-think your view of "working out."

As with any worthwhile endeavor creating a family fitness plan for everyone involves some initial organization. There is not one perfect solution for everyone but here are some suggestions to get you and your family started:

Have a positive attitude about exercise that encompasses the whole family, and be supportive of each member's activities.

Walk with family members, or let the kids ride their bikes as you walk or jog.

Buy a baby jogger and take the youngest for a daily stroll or run.

Go to a local track to log miles, the kids can play in the infield.

Plan family outings like a hike in a park, or skating outside.

Walk whenever possible -- to church, to the store or to a friend's home.

Avoid escalators and elevators -- take the stairs whenever possible.

Keep exercise clothing in the car in case you can fit in some exercise while waiting for a family member or want to head out at noon for a lunchtime walk.

At home, jump rope, do exercise videos or buy a home exercise machine.

Keep free weights at your desk or at home, and pump some iron during breaks.

Pencil in exercise time on the calendar so family members know when you will not be available.

Make fitness a priority. Are there some low-priority activities that can be set aside?

Engage co-workers. Maybe have a "walking meeting" instead of talking over lunch.

Have children invite friends and engage in active outdoor games -- no TV or computer games until after a certain time in the evening.

Exercise is a great stress reliever and often serves as a tool in problem solving. Take a walk with a child or spouse to discuss concerns, and use their input to find a solution.

Children shape their attitudes about fitness by looking at role models _ these include friends, siblings and parents. You don't need to be a jock to inspire a child. If a positive attitude about fitness and health is developed in the family, it has a much greater chance of carrying through into adulthood.