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A Fit Family in 2009!!!

David Hansey
NASM Certified Performance Enhancement Specialist
NASM Certified Sports Fitness Specialist
NASM Certified Personal Trainer

This time of year, many people make resolutions about getting in shape, losing weight and getting healthy. Sadly, many of those resolutions fail. There are many reasons people cannot keep them. Sometimes they are too vague. People say “I will lose weight” instead of something more specific like “I will lose 20 pounds”. Often, they also fail because people do not help effect change in their family. If you have to cook separate meals for you and your family because you are on a diet, it is going to be even more difficult to stick with it. My answer to that is to make 2009 the year that your whole family gets fit and healthy.
Childhood obesity is at an all-time high. Kids don’t play outside like they used to. As parents, we play a key role in helping our kids to learn how to become healthy adults. This does not mean forcing them to do anything. It also does not mean depriving them of some of the joys of life such as ice cream or a piece of fine chocolate. It does, however, mean being a responsible parent and truly caring about your child’s health.
The best way to start is to look at fitness options that work for each family member. While the gym may be fun for you, it may not be best for each member of your family. It is important that each family member have a fun activity, especially kids. If your kids think it is a chore, they will not want to do it. If you are not sure what everyone wants to do, try a variety of things. Swimming, biking, rollerblading, tennis, golf – the options are endless. Some kids do well in organized classes such as martial arts, soccer, football, etc. Other children do better in individual activities or activities that seem more like play. Remember to do this same analysis on your own workout options. Decide on something that fits your life. There is no point in making it more difficult than it needs to be. While your intentions might be good in choosing to swim every morning at 5 am, if you have never been up at 5 am ever, then that is not the best option. Making it a part of your life is a KEY to making it last.
As far as an eating plan for your child, speak to your doctor about your child’s needs. Most children today eat way too much sugar, fat and calories. Their diets are loaded with soda and processed foods. Their diets are lacking in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Every family should cut sugar filled soda from their diet. It is bad for your teeth, your weight and your health. All children need to learn portion control, especially with luxuries such as chocolate and desserts. Teach your child that candy and sweets are a TREAT. A bite or two tastes GREAT but they are not supposed to eat enough cake or candy to feel full. Don’t deprive them. This will only set them up to be unprepared when they have to make choices on their own. Teaching your children to sample new foods is one of the greatest gifts you can do as a parent. They will hesitate but if you don’t force them, you will find that children actually like salad, fruits, veggies, etc. They just don’t like you telling them to eat it or the feeling that they are being forced.
I hope this gives you some ideas on how you and your family can get a healthy start to the New Year and the rest of your lives.

Tags: Chapel Hill News by David Hansey, Personal Trainer
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