(NC)—According to a recent study by the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, the value parents place on physical activity directly influences their child’s own attitude about exercise, as well as their participation.
So, the next time you decide to skip your daily workout in favour of watching TV, keep in mind you are influencing your child to do the same. On the flip side, you can use your positive attitudes about physical activity to instill the same in your children. Here’s how.
1. Lead by example. Set up an exercise routine that you follow at least three times a week and stick to it. Talk to your child about how good exercise makes you feel.
2. Involve your child. Working out should be something you do as a family. If yoga is your exercise of choice, invite your child to watch as you stretch. He or she will love to be included in your routine and will want to try it, too.
3. Keep track of your daily exercise. At My Best (www.atmybest.ca), a national school-based children’s wellness program developed by AstraZeneca Canada and Physical and Health Education Canada, recommends that families keep activity diaries. Seeing everyone’s exercise for a day, a week and a month summed up in writing gives you a launching pad for healthy–living discussions and can help your children set activity goals for the future.
