The Best Gift My Mom Gave Me

On an unseasonably warm winter afternoon my kids and I decided to go for a run and bike ride. We laced up our shoes and strapped on bike helmets. About 20 minutes into our adventure I stepped back and considered the scene:

Me and three of my kids ages 14, 11 and 8 were running while my fourth child, 6, was riding his bike. We were all enjoying the outdoors and improving our health. My husband was coaching wrestling, otherwise he would have been out with us. At that moment I realized how grateful I was for my mom.

When I was about six she took control of her health and started running. She started with a two block run. However, she kept at it and before long she was running at least six miles several times a week. Some might think she was selfish for taking that time for herself. I'm sure she didn't realize what is becoming more evident today: parents who model good health habits raise children who value healthy living.

Why Your Exercise is Important to Your Kids

When kids are little, they soak up how you live your life. When you take time to exercise you are showing your kids that it is important to take care of yourself. Kids who see their parents integrate exercise into daily life are more likely to maintain those patterns through adulthood.

In today's sedintary society, it is important to set a good example for your kids. Sure, when your kids are little it seems all they do is move around. They run from the dinner table to the living room. They climb the play equipement and ride their bikes. However, when the experts say once kids hit age 12 they quit moving they are totally right. Setting a healthy lifestyle example is especially important during this time of your child's life.

How to Integrate Exercise into Family Life

So, in the midst of busy schedules and a hectic lifestyle how do you continue to set a good example? Here are a few steps to help you get started:

• Turn off the screen - How much time do you spend in front of the television, video games or computer? Turn off the electronics and instead use that time to get moving.
• It's a family affair- No matter your kids age, make excercising a family affair. When my husband and son were at football practice the rest of the family would go to the track next to the practice fields. The little ones would run around with friends, while the oldest and myself would exercise with the other moms. Everyone was getting a workout and it was fun! Other times we go to our local campground and run while the kids ride their bikes.
• Don't get stuck in an exercise box - Some people think exercise only counts when it takes place in a gym or in 30 minute blocks. Break out of this box and look for other ways to get your blood pumping. Shoot some hoops with the kids, play one of the many dance videos or go to the park and use the equipment as your outdoor gym. Use the benches for tricep dips. You can do bursts of cardio jumping up and down on the slide steps. These examples help you get your blood pumping and carve out important family time.
• Take time for yourself every once in awhile- It is important for your kids to see you taking time to exercise by yourself. It's ok to thell them, "I am going to go walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes and then lift some weights." Your kids need to see you take time for yourself so they will do the same for themselves. It is a mental health booster.
• Join a race - My husband and I recently signed up for an adventure challenge. Neither one of us is in super duper shape, but we are working at improving our health. When I told our 14 year old what we signed up for she looked like we lost our minds (and maybe we did!). But it is important for her to see us push our limits. What the kids will see is their parents working for something that will not be easy, but the effort is worth the work.

Use these simple tips to help create a healthy family and to establish a lifetime of healthy habits.