My two-year old daughter shouts from her car seat, “I want TV!” We’ve barely left the driveway.
It got me thinking about the days when I was growing up. Gone are the days, when parents bundled their kids up and joined them for a good game of Kick–the-Can or Freeze Tag. What happened to “Mother May I?” Red Light/Green Light, and good old fashioned pretend play?
I remember my mom putting a colander on my head, handing me a brown wrapping paper tube, and telling me to fend off the evil dragons (my parents). We would run around chasing each other, faces red, until we collapsed. And the giggling continued long after. It was family bonding. It was free, and it was healthy. As a family, we didn’t even realize we were getting exercise because it was so much fun.
As a child, I looked forward to this family time every night. As a mom, I look back on these wonderful memories and aspire to re-create them with my children. As an exercise physiologist, I think about all the health benefits of exercising as a family. Some of the numerous benefits include weight control, decreased risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, healthy bones, joints and muscles. In addition to the physical benefits, there is evidence that exercise improves self esteem and can add to an overall sense of well-being.
Through playing, my parents fostered a philosophical belief in me that nothing is more precious than family and good health. After all, without good health not much else matters. To me, that means setting aside 30 minutes every day for my family to come together for exercise and fun. Whether it’s playing basketball, going for a walk, or having a dance party at home, I want our experiences to be healthy and generate a belly laugh or two.
Enjoying outside bike rides is great when the weather is cooperating. During the winter, I feel grateful to the YMCA for providing a place where my entire family can come together and experience innovative programs at every age. Essentially, the YMCA helps us restore family fitness.
Sounds so easy and simple, but then reality sets in. As I scan my calendar on my phone, I’m reminded of how difficult it is to find the time to go to the grocery store let alone family activities. However, I know what is at stake. Exercise is a priority that I’m not going to let get lost in the shuffle. I’ve made the commitment and I’m following through with making family fitness a daily habit.
As parents, we are our children’s primary educator. We need to be role models. It is up to us to show children that a healthy lifestyle pays dividends, not only at home, but also in school and throughout their life. So, make family activity night a daily routine. Delaware, I double dog dare you!
Kristen Paternina is an AFAA certified personal trainer at the Bear/Glasgow Family YMCA.
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My two-year old daughter shouts from her car seat, “I want TV!” We’ve barely left the driveway.
It got me thinking about the days when I was growing up. Gone are the days, when parents bundled their kids up and joined them for a good game of Kick–the-Can or Freeze Tag. What happened to “Mother May I?” Red Light/Green Light, and good old fashioned pretend play?
I remember my mom putting a colander on my head, handing me a brown wrapping paper tube, and telling me to fend off the evil dragons (my parents). We would run around chasing each other, faces red, until we collapsed. And the giggling continued long after. It was family bonding. It was free, and it was healthy. As a family, we didn’t even realize we were getting exercise because it was so much fun.
As a child, I looked forward to this family time every night. As a mom, I look back on these wonderful memories and aspire to re-create them with my children. As an exercise physiologist, I think about all the health benefits of exercising as a family. Some of the numerous benefits include weight control, decreased risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, healthy bones, joints and muscles. In addition to the physical benefits, there is evidence that exercise improves self esteem and can add to an overall sense of well-being.
Through playing, my parents fostered a philosophical belief in me that nothing is more precious than family and good health. After all, without good health not much else matters. To me, that means setting aside 30 minutes every day for my family to come together for exercise and fun. Whether it’s playing basketball, going for a walk, or having a dance party at home, I want our experiences to be healthy and generate a belly laugh or two.
Enjoying outside bike rides is great when the weather is cooperating. During the winter, I feel grateful to the YMCA for providing a place where my entire family can come together and experience innovative programs at every age. Essentially, the YMCA helps us restore family fitness.
Sounds so easy and simple, but then reality sets in. As I scan my calendar on my phone, I’m reminded of how difficult it is to find the time to go to the grocery store let alone family activities. However, I know what is at stake. Exercise is a priority that I’m not going to let get lost in the shuffle. I’ve made the commitment and I’m following through with making family fitness a daily habit.
As parents, we are our children’s primary educator. We need to be role models. It is up to us to show children that a healthy lifestyle pays dividends, not only at home, but also in school and throughout their life. So, make family activity night a daily routine. Delaware, I double dog dare you!
Kristen Paternina is an AFAA certified personal trainer at the Bear/Glasgow Family YMCA.
