Keeping fit all in the family
[attach]850[/attach]It’s no secret that group exercise helps keep inspiration high and perspiration higher, and when it comes to groups, none are as readily available — or as important — as the family.
According to Statistics Canada, the percentage of overweight and obese children between the ages of 2 and 17 has risen by 70 percent in the past 30 years, and more than a quarter of those aged 12–17 are overweight.
Children take their lead from their parents, and by setting the right example and maintaining a healthy level of fitness, parents can ensure their children develop good exercise habits from an early age.
Even if they don’t know they’re exercising.
And that may be key to getting children to stay active.
The West End YMCA’s administration recently implemented a family-access strategy that focuses on family-friendly activities.
“The idea is that families can do activities together, or do separate activities at the same time,” says general manager Cathyann White.
The YMCA regularly holds family gym time, where parents and children can get active in an open play zone with climbing equipment and games. As well, the West End Y has a child minding program where parents can drop their kids off while they exercise.
“Child minding is active, it’s not like a babysitter,” says White. “We have a giant playground the size of a squash room where children can duck and bob and weave and slide.”
YMCA member Juan Marouuvin takes his three daughters to the West End YMCA regularly to participate in a taekwondo class. His eldest daughter, 14-year-old Heidy, has a red belt, 12-year-old Stephanie has a black belt, and his youngest daughter, 7-year-old Gabriella, has an orange belt. But rather than dropping them off at the club, he joins them on the mats as an orange belt.
“They will grow up being very respectful, caring about themselves, and very fit and athletic,” says Marouuvin.
His daughters also take swimming lessons while he lifts weights in the workout area and attends cycling classes.
Marouuvin says the YMCA makes it affordable for exercise to be a family event. A family membership at the Y costs less than $100.
There are plenty of ways to keep the family active at home, too. Making lists of chores and having a race to see who can finish them first is a good way to get the kids cleaning and the heart racing. And if your kids are video game addicts, consider buying a Nintendo Wii, which has a line of games designed to promote fitness.
“Family fitness is about having fun,” White says.
And there is little doubt an active family is a healthy family. Making fitness a family event is one of the best ways to ensure you stay in shape.
