Family Fitness

One of the best gifts you can give your family is the gift of fitness.  And that's why in our house we have a family fitness plan.

I can say that it was a bit of an uphill battle to put it in place, especially since I have a sweet tooth.  But when you think about the traits you want your children to have, fitness has got to be up there so fmaily fitness is something worth doing.

Consider building a plan that's not just about family fitness but also incorporates health.  And be sure everyone is involved.  It only takes one dissenter to introduce the wrong foods or eating habits that will wreck the family fitness plan.

Build Your Own Family Fitness Home Gym

It's very simple to build your own family home gym.  You don't need expensive equipment like a Lifecycle exercise bike or a home fitness Smith machine.  Instead, think about jump ropes which the kids will love, or exercise balls exercises, or even exercise rubberbands. 

All of these are fairly cheap and things the kids willl love to do.

The great thing about doing family fitness routines together is the support aspect. You can each offer one another your support and make certain everyone is getting their regular exercise in. Also, you can keep an eye on what each of you are consuming regularly. I have found that the best way to avoid junk food is to not bring it into the house.

The thing about junk food is that if it's in the house, I'll eat it. And if the kids see me eating it, then they want to eat it too.  So I had to go the rout of banning junk food becasue the choice was clear.  It was either junk food or the family fitness plan. Never both.

If junk food is in the house, you'll get the sudden urge and you'll give in. Obliterate the temptation. Keep healthy snack foods around instead. Then this is what you'll end up eating. So much revolves around convenience.

So, what current program are you into? Do you already have a decent and effective family fitness routine in progress? If the answer is no, but you are willing to give one a shot, then here is where you can begin.

The obvious place to look is on the web.  But also go down to your local YMCA and talk with some of the instructors to get their thoughts.  And get your kids involved in choosing the exercises.  Thier participation is essential and the more they are involved developeing the family fitness program, the more successful it will be!