Exercise Now for Your Kid’s Future
A lesson they can’t afford you to skip
As parents we all have the same major priority – ensuring the health of our kids. It is not just about making sure they hit those milestones or getting them to their annual checkup. It all starts with us and how we treat our own bodies!
According to the Academy of Pediatrics, there is a direct correlation between parents, especially mothers, and their outlook on fitness, and how it impacts the long-term health of their children. So, if we want our littles to lead a healthy and active life, it's time to take a closer look at our own exercise habits.
Unfortunately, things have changed a lot over the past few decades. Parents today(specifically Mothers according to the study) are spending more and more time on sedentary activities compared to 45 years ago. With the increase in technology, social media, and easy access to screen entertainment, it's no wonder we find ourselves sitting on the couch more often than not.
Another nugget of truth – women tend to stop exercising once they become mothers. I get it, parenting is a full-time job, and most mothers have additional occupations outside of being a mom, so finding time for us can seem impossible. We can’t forget that we are our children's role models. They look up to us, and more importantly, they mimic our behaviors. We must show them physical activity is a necessity. We must be their real-life superheroes.
If a child is obese in Kindergarten, they are four times as likely to be obese as an adult. Healthy habits and lifestyles start young – for better or worse. But here's the good news – we have the power to change those odds.
By incorporating regular exercise into our daily routine, we’re not just benefiting ourselves and the likelihood of us having a healthy long life, but we are also investing in our most important assets. We are setting our children up for a healthier future. And we're not just talking about hitting the gym for hours on end. Work out with your kids at home and let them join in. Incorporate daily walks with your kids and play tag with them in the backyard.
The key is to find activities that you and your children enjoy. Whether it's dancing, swimming, biking, or even playing a sport together, the options are endless. Not only will you be bonding with your children, but you'll also be instilling in them the importance of staying active, taking care of their bodies and putting the screens down!
Reframe the way you think about fitness.
You are not being selfish to take this time out of your day, the extra load of laundry can wait. I know time is precious but if you think about this as an obligation to your children will it change the way you feel about dedicating that 30 minute block per day? Think about that time investment compared to how much time do you spend on your phone daily.
Get your friends involved, join a fitness group, or even sign up for a virtual workout class. The support and accountability will make all the difference.
Everyone will be happier.
It is critically important to note that this is not just about the physical health of ourselves or our children. We cannot forget the impact exercise has on our mental health. As parents, we face constant stress and challenges on a daily basis. Taking care of ourselves physically will not only benefit our bodies but also our minds. So, don't be surprised if after a good workout session, you find yourself feeling more energized, focused, and ready to take on the world. See how this disposition affects your parenting.
So I am talking to you mom and dad… it's time to prioritize our own health and fitness for the sake of our children's future. By leading an active lifestyle and being a positive role model, we can pave the way for our little ones to grow up healthy, strong, and confident. If that is not motivation I am not sure what is.
Get up, put on your sneakers, grab the kids, and make movement and exercise a part of our daily routine. Start today to create a healthier future for your children (and yourself).
