9 Tips for a Fit Family: Act Like Others Are Watching

This post is a part of our first Kickstart Fitness week on Fit Bottomed Mamas to help moms and future moms be fitter and healthier in 2015. Read all of this week’s special content here! 

There’s nothing wrong with New Year’s resolutions to be the fittest, healthiest version of ourselves that we can be. But when the month passes and you realize you’re not being the best version of yourself, don’t give up the fight! Instead of thinking about doing it only for yourself, think about getting healthy habits to stick for the good of your entire family. As a parent, your everyday decisions are the ones your kids see, so make healthy choices most of the time! Today’s post from Laurie Kocanda and Kara Douglass Thom, co-authors of Hot (Sweaty) Mamas: Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom (a book we loved) reminds us that we’re setting an example in front of inquiring eyes and minds. Read on for their tips on being a good role model and ways to get the whole family into a fit frame of mind!

Be the Inspiration

It’s the last secret we mention in Hot (Sweaty) Mamas: Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom, but perhaps the most important of them all: Act Like Others Are Watching—Because They Are. We’re talking about mentoring here, both having a mentor and being a mentor. It’s about having another woman to look up to, one who seems to manage the messiness of life while still getting sweaty on a regular basis. It’s also about being that woman others look to for inspiration.

But obviously the most important role you have as a mentor is providing a healthy and encouraging example for your children. Being a fit mom lets you demonstrate (actions speak louder than words) that fitness is a priority in your life. Dr. Todd Smith, a family practice physician in Cottage Grove, Minn., encourages parents to get out and get active with their children. “Kids see what their parents do and don’t do, so it’s important that parents take time to show their children the importance of physical activity.” Smith adds that genetics alone do not determine a child’s health; parent modeling and overall activity level are equally, if not more, important.

Getting a little territorial? Maybe you like to think of your workouts as your much coveted “me time,” a chance to escape. Don’t worry, we’re not asking you to give up that solo time altogether. Keep your solo sweat, but consider adding in activities that let the whole family in on the fun. There are lots of ways to work out with your kids. Schedule time as a family to participate in fitness and outdoor pursuits, perhaps on a weekly basis. By spending family time together in an active setting, you are showing children the importance of family togetherness as well as health and fitness.

9 Tips for a Fit Family

1. Kid cooperation. Let the kids help develop a list of potential activities. Create a list for each season so you’re never incapacitated by inclement weather. Head outside whenever possible, away from the TV and computer.

2. Time, not intensity. Remind your kids that fitness is about endurance—a lifetime of activity. Enjoy the time and don’t worry about the caloric burn.

3. Invest in gear. Frisbees, bats and balls, even a water sprinkler can get the family moving. Just make sure there are lots of options. Investing in the (practical) essentials is worth your dollar, too. While positioned in a jogging stroller or bike trailer, kids get a similar adrenaline rush as you. The final blocks back to your home are the perfect place to let little legs work off energy.

4. Be creative. With the right attitude, simple tasks like washing the car, raking the yard, gardening and snow shoveling can be fun family activities. Be creative with your time, too. If your children are taking swim lessons, think about jumping in an open lane yourself. Consider running around the soccer fields while your kids are at practice, or do some sit-ups and push-ups from the sidelines (who cares if other parents are looking…they probably want to join you!).

5. Celebrate your accomplishments. Look for local road races that offer opportunities for kids to compete. When you run a race on your own, make arrangements so your kids can watch you cross the finish line (or cross the finish line with you). It’s important that they see you accomplish your goals and experience the rewards of hard work.

6. Head outside. Hit the park, recreation center or nature center. Just bringing your children to the playground on a regular basis encourages them to use their large motor skills and burn off energy. Look for nature paths or paved park trails so kids can walk, run or rollerblade with you in sight.

7. Experience sports. Let your children investigate sports alternatives in organized league play. Most community centers offer recreational leagues for soccer, basketball and more. Call your local center to get a seasonal list of athletic offerings. Volunteer to coach if you can swing it and remember to focus on fun.

8. Include the kids. Encourage older kids to join you on runs, bike rides or trips to the gym. Invite them to ride their bikes along with you as you run on local trails. Let them run with you at the track where they can go their own pace.

9. Emphasize fun. In order to build long-lasting behaviors, make sure kids are enjoying their physical activity. It is, after all, about building life-long habits and behaviors for the entire family.

Fantastic family fitness tips for any time of year, if you ask me. How do you set a good example for your kiddos? —Erin