Fitness can be fun

Spring training has forced me to think about the role fitness plays in my life.

I’d always thought the main reason to train was to look good in a dress or prepare for a wedding. It’s the reason I got into shape about 10 years ago and likely the reason I had to lose again.

As we age, the will to race a friend up a hill to be king of the castle disappears. Instead, we worry about how clean our castle is or whether we can pay it off. Maybe it’s why so many of us face weight issues in our lives. We forget to move for the sake of having fun.

It’s odd, too. We recognize the merit of fitness. Parents see it as a vital part of our lives’-for our kids lives, that is.

For my husband and me, it’s always been important to allow our kids to play some form of sport to remain healthy. But I’d forgotten to follow that same advice for myself. How could I expect my kids to follow me when the only path I led them to was toward the television?

As I continue with my personal fitness goals, a larger question looms: How do I ensure my kids continue move with me? While we adults enjoy weights, stairs or fitness classes, kids enjoy games or sports. I’d forgotten to play with my kids. This is something I want to change.

I was reminded about the concept a few weeks ago. My daughter had been invited to attend the sport awards ceremony for her high school. She expected a participation award. While I waited to hear her name, I was shocked to discover that one student participated in seven school sports. I can barely name seven sports, let alone play them. It was impressive.

Before I started my program I complained that I didn’t have time for fitness.

While the expression – you have to make time - seems trite, it’s true.

One of the strategies I’ve devised for me to make time for exercise generated out of my daughter’s award ceremony. She won the coaches award for soccer. While I’m thoroughly proud of her, I realized it has little to do with my encouragement. When she was little I had her twin sisters to raise, too. This meant I was exhausted just thinking about the things I had to do. The word play was something for my kids and them alone.

As a kid, I’d always loved to play sports or games. My parents always had something on the go. Even when they partied- we’d move. There’d be food and spirits, but loads of bocce, lawn darts or badminton.

I now know what to do this summer. My husband and I have to get our kids playing with something that doesn’t have an electrical cord attached. To accomplish this, we all have to move.

Aside from playing games, I’m also going to invite my teen to GoodLife fitness. The gym has a free fitness program for teens 14-17 year olds. All you need do is register online and bring them down for the first visit.

Any time a parent can get their kids to move during the day seems like a good idea. They’ll have less time to mope or get in trouble. Now if only GoodLife could teach them to make beds and do dishes.

As I sign off on my last blog, I’d like to thank readers for following the first part of my fitness journey. Your suggestions helped make me move, but they also moved me.

char.adam@mts.net twitter.com/Charpspetpage