These days the odds of raising fit kids are kind of stacked against us.
More and more they are enticed indoors in front of a computer, television, tablet or smart phone. Even as adults we find these magic devices pretty irresistible. As parents its a constant battle but it is winnable.
1. Be a role model
Health and fitness must be important to you. Your children emulate everything you do, especially at a young age. You are their hero. The adage “Do as I say not as I do” is a massive FAIL waiting to happen. Be the type of person you want your kids to be.
2. Exercise
Get moving! Let your children see you moving. Don’g be afraid to take them to the gym with you. Just about every kid that watches their parents do a burpee will end up giving it a try. Just google “kids doing burpees” there are videos of babies who just learned to walk doing burpees! And LOVING it!
3. Play with your kids.Â
Whatever they love, play it with them! Whatever they  love, play it with them! Back yard sports, catch, kickball, run around the park. Don’t be the parent that watches your children play. Jump in there with them and watch their faces light up. Pure joy!
4. Make it a family activity.
Go on a hike, walk around the park, ride bikes together, walk the dog. Friday night dance party in the family room on a rainy day. It doesn’t have to be a game. You just have to move
5. Take the time.Â
Make it a priority. All you need is 10 minutes. In that amount of time you can do some squats, push ups, sit ups and burpees. Everyone has 10 minutes. Yes, yes you do. You will be amazed at how much better you’ll all fee.
6. Talk to them about fitness
Tell them how important it is to have a healthy lifestyle, make it a part of daily conversation. You’ll find that they’ll eventually be the ones to start the conversation. Â Remember, you can’t just talk the talk, you must walk the walk.
7. Fake it ’til you make it!
So maybe you’re not a big fan of exercise. Fake it. You don’t have to love the 10 mins of exercise you just have to do it and then smile afterward. Remember, they are watching you.
The key to your child’s relationship with exercise is in YOU.
