Family fitness is child’s play

Adults know exercise is important to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers, to control weight, strengthen bones and muscles, and to improve mental health and mood. But don’t expect your children to appreciate these things – in fact, I don’t know a single kid who’s concerned about the risk of hypertension or high cholesterol!

Children don’t realize that regular exercise builds healthy habits for life and boosts their academic performance. Children exercise simply because it is fun, and moving lets them burn off some energy.

So how can you get your clan on board with the concept of family fitness?

Dori Venditti, general manager of J-Fitness at the Dwares Jewish Community Center, in Providence, believes that changing our exercise habits has to be a family effort.

“Most of us are not aware of the power we have to model healthy behavior to children,” she says. And, she adds, “When exercise feels more like playing, your whole family will enjoy it and stick with it.”

“I see well-meaning moms and dads sign up their kids for swimming or other sporting activities, which is great,” says Doug Immel, director of aquatics at the JCC. “But parents don’t always realize that the children are noticing if exercise is a part of their parents’ lives too. When the whole family is active together - not just the kids - it really brings families together.”

In other words, exercising together can improve communication, create meaningful bonds, give family members a common sense of purpose and help them strive toward a goal. And the best part is that it doesn’t have to cost much time or money.

Here are five easy ideas to get your family moving:

•             These boots are made for walking: Walking is one of the simplest activities you can do together, and you can do it regardless of the weather or your physical condition. I know one family that puts on snow boots and takes a stroll after an abundant Shabbat dinner. It is an excellent way to help digest and prevent hibernation, as well as a chance for conversation with your children.

•             The family that plays together stays together: You’re never too old (or too young!) to play tag, toss a Frisbee, build a snowman, go sledding, play musical chairs or host a family dance party. The point is to have fun and enjoy each other’s company. Channel your inner kid, and let your children see you still enjoy the games you played when you were their age. The more ridiculous, the better, because laughter combined with movement is the best medicine!

•             Membership has its privileges: Join a gym or recreation center that offers classes where parents and children can exercise together. There are a number of affordable options throughout Rhode Island to help you get fit and stay fit as a family unit, including open swim at community centers, rock climbing and group exercise classes.

•             Add activity everywhere: Even when there doesn’t seem to be time to exercise, you can add physical activity into your day. Bundle up and walk or ride a bike to the store. If you do take the car, park in the farthest spot from the front door so you can walk a bit. Climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Lastly, while the kids are doing homework or watching TV, and you’re checking your email or washing dishes, make a point to take a break. During commercials, for example, get everybody up to do jumping jacks or jog in place.

•             In every chore, there is an element of fun: As Mary Poppins said, “You find the fun, and snap! The job’s a game.” Folding laundry, raking leaves, shoveling snow, weeding a garden and cleaning out the garage - these are all excellent ways to tidy up around the house and incorporate family fitness. And suddenly the chore is manageable because everyone is working together and you’ve made a game of it.

Once you get started, you’ll be amazed at how creative you and your family can be in incorporating fitness into your daily lives. It’s about making the commitment as a family unit, not about turning everyone into Olympic athletes. If you just make the effort to do something each week, you’ll see changes in your love handles and your loved ones – and you’ll enjoy spending this valuable time with your family!

KARA MARZIALI is the director of communications for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.