It begins innocuously enough: small, mundane excuses like not having enough time in your busy day. “Life’s too hectic,” you may argue. The demands are endless — work, a hungry husband, household chores, and more recently, kids. Priorities change, certainly.
There’s no denying the shift in focus once children are introduced. It’s inevitable: things once deemed important — like sticking to your fitness goals — take a back seat. And what used to be a weekly Pilates class is now “quality” time with family in front of the TV.
Fair enough. But have you considered exercise as the ideal way to incorporate family time? It’s fun, great for our physical health and wellbeing, and creates the ideal bonding time with those family members we usually rush right by as we chase the demands of our day. It also encourages children to develop healthy habits early in life. “Exercising together,” says sports psychologist, Greyling Viljoen, “impacts positively on lifestyle.
The whole family would be more conscious about what they eat and how they look after their bodies in general.”
GETTING STARTED
Proper planning is vital. Time, or the lack of it, is often cited as the biggest challenge to devising and sticking with an exercise regimen. Your workout needn’t be long. A half hour pays off in increased energy and stamina. Viljoen notes that moderate exercise of 30 minutes, three times a week, has a positive effect on mood. “Collectively, regular exercise can promote a lighter, happier disposition.”
Keep it simple. Pursuing an active lifestyle needn’t cost a fortune. The key to successful family fi tness is making it fun and enjoyable. “Exercise is especially benefi cial when combined with outings and excursions,” says Greyling.
Set goals. Keep a logbook. Make fitness a group activity and in doing so, you can keep one another motivated. Clinton Gahwiler, sports psychologist and member of the Shape advisory board agrees. “When a husband and wife join (a fitness programme) together, there is definitely a greater sense of commitment to the project.
ALTOGETHER NOW
Here are some fun activities to get the whole family moving:
Hiking Mountain climbing burns almost twice as many kilojoules as walking. And being outdoors does wonders for the soul, so you’ll not only benefit from the workout, but it’ll boost your spirits too!
Horse riding Working your legs, bum and core, as well as the neck and shoulder muscles, horse riding encompasses a total body workout. “Riding helps the child learn to balance their bodies on a moving object aiding posture, which in turn, boosts confidence,” says top SA horse rider, Laura Kotze.
Mountain biking Biking is a great family activity. Whether you’re tackling a hill or tearing up the tar, it’s an ideal way of getting and staying in shape, targeting legs, bum, core and upper-body muscles.
Gym membership Yoga classes, steam rooms, weight lifting and more, fitness centres are drawing in mom, dad and the kids too. And at discounted rates, family membership needn’t burn a whole in your pocket.
Swimming “Swimming develops cardiovascular conditioning,” says swimming coach Trevor Gordon,” and strengthens arms, legs, and the upper-body, while maintaining a calming and meditative approach.”
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