Teaching by example
My daughter loves to be active. She does triathlons, plays soccer, and loves to ride her bike. However, if we let her, she would sit at home every day and all day and just watch movies. She’s a movie buff and loves netflix. I’ve realized that I have to teach her to love being outside and love working out. While she still complains that she HATES running, she does love hanging out with me when I run. She is my running buddy and will go in the jogging stroller with me, ride her bike next to me, or head to the track with me while I run. She will also hang out at Orange Theory with me if she doesn’t have school and I have to get to the gym. Many times she’s got her iPad and is watching a movie or playing a game, but the point is she’s seeing me be active and it’s being engraved into her head that being active is good.
We have conversations all the time about nutrition and fitness and I’m trying to teach her early the importance of being healthy.
It’s not easy at all, but it’s worth it.
So lead by example. Take your kids with you on your run, let them watch you do your beachbody workout, let them be a part of your fitness journey. Soon one day they will be asking to join you and participate. Start early so they don’t have to deal with what we have to deal with. Leave a legacy.