Mums 'n Chums: Summer Fitness by Carrie Burrows | Mums 'n Chums | Local parenting support network for Halton Hills, Georgetown, Acton, Erin, Milton, Norval, and Halton Region

Summer Fitness by Carrie Burrows

Posted by: Sara Hodge on: 2011-08-14 Permanent Link: Summer Fitness by Carrie Burrows

S-u-m-m-e-r!!!!!!

That means bbq’s, parties, patios, pools…

Which also means, shorts, tank tops, swim suits! Did you winter well enough that your comfortable with a reveal or are you comfortably covered up?

This is my favourite time of year because we can be outside more just for fun and we can take out fitness outdoors for even more fun! Getting fit can be fun and it can be a family event!!

Playing and exercising together creates healthy bodies but it also creates great childhood memories and quality family time together! It will help your kids establish healthy habits that they will take with them into adulthood and pass that same opportunity to their families. That’s a legacy!

Here are some fun suggestions to fit (hahaha) exercise into your family’s summer time plan:

Quick, easy and free: games!! My kids love to play tag. A game of tag can burn a lot of calories-constant movement! Throw in a game of hide and seek or grounders and you’ve got a great burn.

Challenges; obstacle courses: run, jump the hedge, spin around the tree, up the stairs, on the jungle gym, down the slide, jump over the bench in the park.

Bike rides / roller blading /swimming / canoeing

Register your family in a fund raising walk for a charity You will have to train prior to the day of the walk so getting out and doing daily walks, a little more challenging each time, going further or picking up your pace to go faster.

Designate a family fitness leader of the week Each week that someone is responsible to come up with the workout/exercise for the day. The possibilities are endless. Come up with new things that you and your family haven’t tried or experienced to make it fun and challenging! The workouts are never dull and you never know what to expect!
Naturally, if I didn’t suggest a mini boot camp, I would be remiss. My kids absolutely love doing their version of a boot camp workout. I set up stations: squats – jumping jacks – push ups – jump rope – etc. Each station is timed, we start with the whistle and stop with the whistle then move to the next station.

Set goals that you and your family will work out for 5 to 6 days per week. Plan it out so that you are not losing days or making excuse not to be active.

Set family rewards as well. If you meet your goals set up a family reward that you all will enjoy. Maybe a movie, trip to the zoo or something like that.

I love that I am healthy and able to be active with my family. When I was over 200 lbs I could not get up a set of stairs without being winded and I am so thankful my children will never see that from me.

Be a role model of good health and fitness for your kids. They learn what they live. Teach and instill in them solid principles of healthy living!!

Start somewhere, do something everyday and build on that. Not only will you build your endurance but also you will build a connection with your family that is priceless! Don’t tell your family it’s a workout or that it’s exercise time…*make it playtime!!*

Most important – keep it fun! In the process you will stay fit and you will teach your children about goal setting, importance of health, discipline and the family connection.

By Carrie Burrows
Georgetown, Acton, & Milton Fitness Boot Camps
www.thebootcampblog.com