Lead by Example
You know, it’s been a pretty tough winter so far; we still have February to get through and that can be a challenge. February is usually the month we get our bigger snow storms. So here’s hoping that winter is on the way out. Since the weather has been brutal, many of us are stuck inside. We nature lovers have had to cope with these freezing temps for too long. But, I hope you have the smarts to continue your exercise regimen indoors. Many of you have joined a gym or got exercise equipment for Christmas. Here’s hoping you are using them.
Something we should all be sticking to is our diet. The holidays are over. The tempting, tasty tidbits that were served at social and holiday parties are now history. It’s a fact that during the holiday season, many had gained 5-10 pounds—some more, some less. You should want to rid yourself of those unwanted pounds. I have been telling many of you for the past 15 years how to start and stay on an exercise and diet regimen. But, this year, we are going to do something a little different.
Ok parents, this is not for you but for your kids. That’s right! Adults know what to do to get back into shape, but do your kids? Many adults are single, partnered, or married and have children. Your children are precious to you, but are you doing the best for them with regard to diet and exercise?
I train a prominent pediatrician at my gym. Just the other day, she was telling me about a rough day at the office. She asked me if I knew that one in three kids are overweight. Not just overweight, but obese! She sees more and more kids, of all ages, who are dangerously close to being diabetic. In a few more years, that can lead to heart and kidney issues. Parents have to realize that a nine year old child should not weigh 150 to 175 pounds. A 13 or 14 year old should not tip the scales at 300 pounds. Unfortunately, some kids are overweight. In this case, the doctor explained to the parent that the child really needed to lose weight and start some type of physical activity. Sometimes parents are oblivious to this fact and believe that the child “will lose their baby fat as they get older.” One parent even suggested to her child that they should discuss this life change at McDonalds! Was this parent not listening? “Fat kids turn into fat adults!”
Just what have we done to our kids? We have allowed them to chow down on fast food, snack on chips and fries, stay in their rooms for hours on end playing computer and video games or socializing online. Are your kids hypnotized by the new flat screen TV you got for Christmas? Do your kids eat breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner at home or are they on their own when it’s mealtime? Does a parent fix their meals or do they? Parents really must supervise their meals; fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean cuts of meat create healthy kids and healthy bodies. Are your kids getting the proper exercise? Come on parents, we live in one of the most scenic and beautiful areas of the nation. We have walking and biking trails, clean and powdery beaches, a fabulous boardwalk, scenic towns just built for sightseeing and walking, get out there and enjoy it! Take the kids out with you and teach them the importance of a healthy body and mind. Join a gym and participate as a family.
Today, take a good look at your children and make the correct choices for them. Decide if you will be a responsible parent who can pass along healthy eating and fitness goals to the kids!
Rick Moore is a personal trainer certified by the American Fitness Professionals & Associates.