Getting Your Family Started On A Fitness Plan

FitnessJanuary 9, 2018

When thinking about fitness, don’t just think about yourself alone. Also, consider the requirements of your family to ensure they too are fit. You can begin to teach your family to eat better, move adequately and encourage them to reduce their screen time.

You could perhaps believe that it is hard to get your family started on a fitness plan. However, that is not the case because all you need to do is explain the fitness plan to them and make them understand how their lives can be better. The following tips will give you an idea about how you can get your family started on a fitness plan.

“Parents who exercise with their children are not only teaching them how to live a healthy lifestyle, they are also reinforcing the family bonds and creating wonderful family traditions.” — Pam Howard

Become Your Family’s Role Model

In most cases, children and teenagers listen to their parents and follow any leads that they give. If you have been eating well, moving adequately and limiting your time before the TV or the computer, there is a high likelihood that your children will begin to follow your habits. By indulging in such habits before your children, you will be assuming the role of a role model, which will beneficial to everyone.

Make Decision-Making A Family Task

It is a common habit with younger children to try new things, including foods and activities. Talk to your children about making healthier choices in matters related to food and physical activities and get them involved in the discussion by asking for their suggestions. Encourage them to choose an activity for the entire family, but be prepared to participate in the activities yourself. For instance, invite them to accompany you during your visit to the grocery to choose any healthy foods they are interested in trying. Also, let them choose a fun activity to do instead of spending time in front of the TV. That way, you will be able to support each other.

You have to deal with younger children who may not appreciate the idea of being told what they should do period. Therefore, choose an approach that works best for every person in the family. Teenagers who are fiercely independent would prefer being asked what they want to do rather than being told what they should do.

Do Not Rush Things

Rome wasn’t built in a day; similarly, your family cannot make the changes you desire instantly. You will have to make the changes over a period of time. Make small changes and try to understand whether the family notices the difference. If they don’t notice any changes, you can expand the changes further in the following weeks.

Make Things Easier With Food Choices

When getting your family started on a fitness plan, you must address the issue of food choice. It is suggested that you put a bowl of fresh fruit on the table from which members of your family can choose according to their preferences whenever they feel like having a snack. The fruit will not just limit their calorie intake but will also increase their protein and fiber consumption.

Limit The Quantity Of Sugary Foods In Your Pantry

Look around the grocery for foods that have low calories, sugars, and unhealthy fats. Stock the shelves in your home and the fridge with such foods as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk products. This way, you will have ensured that your home is full of healthy foods.

Explain The Benefits of Making Changes to Them

Younger members of your family will not understand the reasons why they should have a healthy diet, exercise more, and limit their screen time unless you explain to them. They may be ignorant of the fact that fitness can improve their overall health and prevent them from problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, make an attempt to help them understand these benefits. The little effort you put into explaining the benefits will improve your chances of getting your family started on a fitness plan.