FAMILY FITNESS – Advertorial

by Gloria Averbuch

Advertorial

FAMILY FITNESS

The family that plays together, gets fit together. Working out as a unit-including everything from casual family activities to sports and exercise-is an excellent, proven vehicle for practicing healthy habits and developing social and emotional bonds. Particularly in relation to children, research has shown that the number one influence in their exercise habits is parent role models. Here are some fun, creative ways to encourage movement.

*Make movement a habit. Consider traditional activities such as walking, hiking, swimming-as opportunities for the entire family. Use leisure time to promote them as family time.

*Practice makes perfect. Escort your children for casual, fun baseball, soccer or basketball practice. If you can’t play, you can chase balls, and even cheerlead. It’s also a refreshing switch from organized sports practice, and shows your children you are vitally interested in them having fun and developing skills.

*Heading to the gym or training for a marathon? Don’t go it alone. Get your family to escort you-such as on a bike during your run-and have the children come watch you work out or run your race.

*Incorporate movement creatively. Don’t just stand up at the bus stop, or sit during "down time." Try challenges like tag, hopping, stair climbing repeats etc. You’d be surprised how much meaningful movement you can get into these segments. It all adds up.

*Stuck at home? Don’t let that turn your children into couch potatoes. Roll up blankets and stack pillows to make obstacles courses for your kids to hurdle. Jump rope or dance to the oldies.

*Make it academic. Combine studies with exercise-such as reading about sports stars, or even working on math skills. That jump roping is great for counting, dividing, and multiplying drills!

*Finally, watch together. You can attend sporting events, and celebrate all the action. Becoming fans of your favorite teams and players is another great way to encourage positive, active role models.

A good family outing is the inaugural season of Sky Blue FC of Women’s Professional Soccer. Sky Blue FC games are fun, affordable family entertainment. The next home game is Saturday, April 11, 7:45 pm at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, New Jersey. For more information, including tickets, go to www.SkyBlueFC.com

In honor of Family Fitness, a Family Four Pack of tickets to this game is only $40!
 

Advertorial