Get Fit: For Yourself and Your Kids

Obesity is a growing problem in the United States and kids are part of that problem. As parents, it is our job to keep our children healthy and that includes making sure that they don't grow up with a weight problem.

While one cause of childhood obesity is diet, we as a nation are simply less active. Think back to your childhood, what did you like to do? Chances are you spent plenty of time outdoors, playing in the backyard, hiking and climbing trees or building tents. What do kids these days do? They watch TV, play video games and spend a minimum amount of time outside.

The best way to get your kids off the couch is to get moving yourself. Here are a few ways that you can encourage your entire family to get fit.

Join a class as a family. Taking a karate class or learning to swing dance is an excellent opportunity to get moving. The skills you learn are also very useful. However, classes usually only meet once or twice a week, so make sure you get out and practice as a family, too.

Take a nightly stroll. After dinner, instead of plopping down in front of the television, try going for a walk around the block. You might need to tape your favourite show, but getting outside is not only great for the digestive system, it can be a good way to improve your family dynamic, too. Kids tend to talk more as you are walking along and this could be an excellent opportunity to catch up on their lives.

Take up a sport. There are plenty of fun sports that the whole family can enjoy. Why not check out the local golf course? Or try Frisbee golf or another fun sport. Ask your kids for ideas on what they would like to play.

Have active family nights. Instead of sitting around and playing Yahtzee for family night, why not haul out Twister? Playing a rousing game of charades or holding endurance contests can also be a good way to get some action in. Older games like "Mother, May I?" and "Red Light, Green Light" are fun, too.

Go for a hike. Pack a picnic lunch and head for the hills. Or the nearest park with hiking trails. No park near your home? A city walk can be just as fun and invigorating. Don't forget to bring along a camera to take photos.

Staying fit as a family is far easier than trying to go it alone. Plus, your kids will want to follow your example and will be more likely to continue living an active lifestyle into their adult years if they start now.