How to Be a Fitness Role Model For Your Child
It All Starts With You!
What would you do if your manager informed you that using social media while working was prohibited? Or that no personal emails would be sent from your work address. But you quickly learn that he is in fact doing precisely that: using his work account to browse Face-book during working hours and sending jokes to his buddies.
Wouldn’t you be much less likely to abide by those workplace policies? The same applies to children, of course. They will be less likely to go outdoors and breathe some fresh air if you tell them to go outside and run around the yard as you post pictures on Instagram.
Although it seems harsh, it is the reality. Your children count on you to set a positive example for their fitness and diet. To accomplish that, you must model a healthy lifestyle for them and let them see how important it is to you.
Stop thinking about taking your kids for a walk outside the next time. Don your walking shoes, then give them yours. Then, saying, “Come on guys, turn off the game,” is OK. We’re taking a stroll.
You see what I mean. You have a responsibility to teach your children the value of developing healthy behaviors. The easiest way to achieve it is to adopt them yourself; this is the only option.
Make exercise enjoyable
You’ll understand if you’re the parent of a teen or tween. Most children between the ages of 10 and 15 do not, under any circumstances, want to be seen running around a track with their parents.
That’s alright! They are not required. Why not go play disc golf instead? Alternatively, if they are already teenagers, you and your partner can exercise or walk the trails while the kids play disc golf. In either case, you’re all exercising, so nobody needs to feel bad.
Other strategies exist for making exercise hip. Visit a trampoline park. Consider taking a ghost tour. Enroll the family in a whitewater rafting trip.
Other active video games, such as Dance Dance Revolution
Creating an obstacle course in the neighborhood park that includes an up-and-down slide, a loop around the rings, a tunnel, and a return…
adopting a canine. I’m finished!
You once were an adolescent; you can do this!
Break Your Own Bad Habits
This advice is succinct, but it’s also difficult. It’s essentially necessary to look at your phone occasionally. For instance, you must take a call from a significant client who is expected to send you an email. A stressful meeting at work may have given you a headache, making you feel like you need to lie down.
But, parents, those times don’t come around very often. You’re perfectly capable of putting the phone down and playing in the yard with the kids most evenings and weekends. You typically have no problem eating supper at the same time as everyone else.
Take control of your negative behaviors. Even though it may sound harsh, it’s part of the setting.
Prioritize your own personal fitness
Little ones are witty. They can be more observant of subtleties than many adults, and they won’t hesitate to call you out on them.
Billy, go outdoors and take a stroll.
That’s correct, Dad. When did you last take a stroll?
Prioritize your own health so that your children can’t criticize you! To get started, take into account working with a personal trainer. If you’re not used to working out, your personal trainer can assist you in getting to the point where activities like walking, skipping rope, or shooting hoops with your kids are enjoyable rather than a chore.
The family should then start migrating! What you choose to do is irrelevant. Meanwhile, don’t be afraid to talk to your family about what you’re doing and why it’s important to you. Keep communication open and, of course, practice what you preach. Your kids aren’t going to start moving if they don’t see you doing it too. So even if you have to start under the guidance of a personal trainer, it’s important that you eventually get out there and start moving—and that you tell them why you’re making it a priority.
Enlist Your Support Trible
All parents require a tribe. Your spouse or partner may be the only member of your tribe. Or it might apply to each and every person in the Facebook group you’re a part of. You have the choice.
Ensure your parenting tribe is aware of your objectives:
to maintain a healthy way of life
teaching your children the same
to set an example for your children
to set an example of healthy eating and exercise for your children
Your tribe’s “members” ought to share some common objectives. Set up a buddy system. Then, make periodic check-ins. How is your household faring? Did you ever have a late-night situation where pizza was your only option? Did you spend the day lounging on your couch?
Your tribe will hopefully comprehend. They might be able to provide you with advice on how to get your life back on track. If not, contact your personal trainer. Your personal trainer can help because they are knowledgeable about both fitness and nutrition.
It all comes down to setting a good example for your children. Your children will be more inclined to follow your example if you live a healthy lifestyle yourself. Therefore, step back. Take a look at your regular activities. Then, prepare to make changes so that you can be a good example for your children.
Makes Sleeping Easier
According to Mayo Clinic, exercise can also improve how we sleep. This is great news for those suffering from insomnia due to stress and anxiety.
Reduces Stress Hormones
Exercise reduces the level of stress hormones in our body like adrenaline and cortisol, helping us feel calmer.
Manufactures endorphins
Our bodies release endorphins, which are euphoric chemicals when we exercise. Our brain’s natural painkillers, these substances help us feel better and are less stressful. The natural high we experience after a challenging workout is caused by endorphins.