A Legacy of Family Fitness

A Message from Dr. Stephen Kindred – Assistant Vice President, Corporate Medical

Research strongly suggests that patterns of fitness behavior starting at a young age typically continue into adulthood. Limited physical activity, combined with poor nutritional habits, can lead to a lifetime of obesity. Currently, one out of every six children in the U.S. is obese. Yet with the right knowledge and tools, we have the opportunity to serve as wellness ambassadors in our own families and leave a legacy for strong, healthy households and communities.

In addition to providing benefits such as bone health, improved academic performance, cardiovascular functioning, weight management and constructive self-worth, physical activities offer social opportunities for families as well. Thinking of exercise as an activity we have to perform alone can create a sense of isolation and demotivate us. Instead, being fit should be fun! Plan a biking adventure, sign up as a family for a local walk or jog, or take advantage of a family-friendly dancing event.

So, how can you promote positive choices in your home? Research suggests that the strongest predictor of fit children is parental support of their children’s physical activities. The best way to keep your children active is to encourage them to be active. This encouragement takes the form of increasing motivation and improving confidence that children can successfully participate in physical activities. And because relationships play a crucial role in backing healthy behaviors, facilitating group physical activities is equally important.

Bert, Claim Processor in the Michigan Auto Claim Central, leveraged the relationships she has with her adult daughter and husband. She took on the challenge of joining her family on an adventure of healthy behavior. Inspired by her daughter’s loss of 120 pounds, she and her husband made a turning point with a drive to feel and look better. They no longer wanted to miss out on life—playing with their grandchildren, riding the Harley™ together and simply feeling better. Upon the suggestion of their daughter who works in the medical field, Bert and her husband looked into some changes they could make.

Bert began walking two miles per day, taking an occasional bike ride, and playing Wii Fit™ three times a week. Over time, she has lost 77 pounds and is still working toward her goal. Her family has not been alone in this adventure, as Bert’s co-workers have also proven to be an effective motivator too.

Research indicates that Wii Fit™ aerobics can produce benefits similar to walking leisurely or jumping on a trampoline. However, active video games do not generate as much of an effect as treadmill exercise.  But they do offer the convenience to exercise in the comfort of your own home. These games can also bring families together and facilitate more action than motionless activities such as watching television.

Today, Bert says, “Our whole outlook on life is a lot better. We feel different and it seems we are more accepted in society.” Live Well, Be Well resources have also encouraged Bert. In addition, her daughter has helped her in creating low calorie meal options. Further, as a part of a support group, Bert and her husband weigh in occasionally as a measure of accountability. Keeping fitness fun, she is currently considering joining a Zumba® dance class with her daughter.

Leaving Your Mark

Bert’s story helps demonstrate that the relationships we foster with our family and extended families can play an important role in our physical well-being. Here are some steps to leaving a legacy of family fitness:

• Encourage family and friends to make positive health choices; doing so creates accountability and increases the likelihood of following through
• Frame physical activities in a fun context as an opportunity to spend time with friends or break away from a stressful day
• Promote creativity in discovering ways to remain active such as creating your own Frisbee golf course in the neighborhood or organizing a healthy progressive dinner.

 
As stressed by the Let’s Move initiative, leaving your mark can be as simple as adding physical activity into your family’s day, whether it be a bike ride around the neighborhood, going on a hike while on vacation or swimming at a local pool.

Live Well, Be Well!  Empowering you to make healthy choices for you and your family.

Additional Resources

Make a fitness pledge with the American Heart Association.

Find 5 simple and fun ideas for family fitness at WebMD.

When heading to the pool or lake, consider these healthy swimming tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What’s your sun safety IQ? Find out by taking the sun safety quiz offered by the American Cancer Society.