The Secret to Getting Your Kids Fit
Is fitness part of your daily family life? Get-Fit Guy explains how you can get your kids off the couch to exercise.
Ben Greenfield
Ever wish you could get your kids off the couch and out of the house to exercise? Or at least to take a walk around the block every once in a while, or throw a ball?
You’re not alone. But the reason why kids are less active these days may surprise you. A recent study found that two-thirds of children think their parents do almost no physical activity!
In the study, researchers asked schoolchildren to rate how active they thought their parents were. Then they had those children complete a test of their cardio fitness. The likelihood of the child having greater fitness was directly influenced by how active they perceived their parents to be.
So how can you act on this information to get your kids more fit?
Set an example by following my workout tips! Unfortunately, your kids may not take significant notice of your 5am workouts. So you also need to announce and talk about your fitness regimen, too. Tell your kids about your workouts and how great they make you feel, announce when you go for a walk or a run, try to keep some home fitness equipment around, and ensure that fitness is a normal and evident part of your daily life.
As Mighty Mommy can tell you, being a good example is the secret to developing positive behaviors in your kids.
If you have questions about how to get your kids more fit, then ask away at the Get-Fit Guy Facebook page.
Related Content:
Get Kids to Eat Healthier
Staying Fit With Kids
Kid fitness photo from Shutterstock
About the Author
Ben Greenfield received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Idaho in sports science and exercise physiology; personal training and strength and conditioning certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA); a sports nutrition certification from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), an advanced bicycle fitting certification from Serotta. He has over 11 years’ experience in coaching professional, collegiate, and recreational athletes from all sports, and as helped hundreds of clients achieve weight loss and fitness success.