Fitting in Fitness

January 9, 2008

I hope that you are all of to a great start this year.   This is our Health and Fitness issue.  Millions of people make a New Year's Resolution to get into shape or lose weight but find that goal difficult to reach .  Read on for some tips on fitting fitness into your life and see the sidebar for some tips on goal setting.  Also be sure to stay connect to our weekly newsletter for details on our upcoming Fitness Challenge.  We are working out the details and we can't wait to share them with you.

 Fitting In Fitness

• Having trouble finding the time? Sending Dad out on errands (kids in tow) will give you the small amount of time you need to fit in a quick walk or work out video.
• If your kids are still babies, try a stroller workout like StrollerFit or simply walk around the neighborhood. Make sure keep up a brisk pace and include periodic lunges, squats, and push-ups.
• Limited on equipment? I am totally hooked on Podfitness.com . Just fill out the profile and tell them where you will be working out, what equipment you have (dumbbells, etc.), and what activities you enjoy. Podfitness creates a workout for you and uploads it with your selected music right to your MP3 player. Genius!
• Ask the babysitter to come an hour or two early on Date Night. Think of how great you'll feel and the energy you'll have while out on the town with your sweetie.
• Stay at home parents have unlimited options in workout programs on DVD. Even if your little ones have outgrown a nap, it's good for them to see you modeling healthy habits. If you can do it without sacrificing your workout, go ahead and include them. Otherwise, this is a good time for a quiet activity and a lesson in patience. It may not work the first time around but keep at it.
• Get the whole family involved. Childhood obesity is on the rise due to poor nutrition habits and lack of exercise. Learning proper habits now will make life much easier as your children grow into adults. Try a game of touch football in the yard, a bike ride, canoing, or skating.
• Have you ever found yourself with an unexpected slot of time and where unprepared? Keep a few items in the car at all times such as walking shoes and socks. You'll be ready next time cheerleading practice runs over.
• Join a child friendly gym. Most health clubs offer on site daycare services for your use during your workout. Another option is to join a family facility like the YMCA which offers a little something for everyone. While the kids are at dance and karate, you can be getting long and lean at Pilates.
• Stay on your feet. The movement you make throughout the day really does add up. Get a pedometer and reach to increase the number of steps you take each day.
• Were you a high school athlete? Take up your old sport and teach the finer points to your kids. For video game junkies there are the new video game systems like the Nintendo Wii. The sports package is great for working up a sweat as a family.