Family Fitness

10 PATHS TO FAMILY FITNESS

I turn my head away, I am at a loss for words. There is no denying it: Our kids are getting bigger and bigger; so are the statistics; they are frightening.  Childhood obesity rates have tripled in Canada since 1981. Our children are not active enough for proper growth and development. We as parents just might be outliving our children for the first time in history.

Obesity in children is serious and the consequences can be devastating.  What kind of life sentence are you condemning your kid to?

The greatest gift that you can give your child is the gift of fitness. Not everyone can afford to pay for private coaching or expensive gear, but there is little or no cost to play catch, go for an evening walk or skipping games in the backyard. Have some fun, make some memories, and get fit as a family.

Here are 10 suggestions from Paul Plakas Fitness Expert on the show X- Weighted:

1. Sign up for summer or winter sport camps.  Sports burn a lot of calories, they are fun. If your kid really likes the sports, you just may be setting them up for a fit and healthy adulthood.
2. Schedule daily or evening walks.  This is perfect way to develop a healthy habit that could last a lifetime.
3. Give them active jobs.  Whether it is a paper route, snow shoveling or grass cutting. Don't forget to assign household chores.  They can earn spending money and burn calories at the same time.
4. Kids can walk to school.
5. Sign you and the family up for the "Walk and Groom" program at the local animal humane society. The family will be active and can develop empathy and compassion.
6. Build a backyard obstacle course. We use to build and walk on stilts. Be creative; use hoops, tires, sawhorses and ropes.
7. Set limits on cell phones, TV and computer time.  You are the best example.
8. Again, be a positive role model. Kids follow the footsteps of the parents; you may not think that they are watching and listening, but they are.
9. Plan physically active vacations like camping, hiking, rock climbing, biking or kayak. You will create memories.
10. Play with your children. Be interactive: play catch, toboggan, skate. Better yet let them choose the physical activity. They become empowered.

What are you waiting for?

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