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Family Fitness Night
Monday, March 29, 2010 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
I love reading Helen Golden's blog: www.planningfamily.com/blog/authors/helen-golden/. Are you reading? Are you surviving her fitness challenge? Many congrats to those of you who are!
I'm one of those folks who can benefit from the nutrition tips found in her recent post: www.planningfamily.com/blog/planning-family-shape-up-challenge-week-7-fitness-assignment/. Um, yes, I've been guilty of scarfing down a candy bar (or two or three 
).
When it comes to my own fitness routine, I struggle. This winter (seriously folks, wasn't spring to arrive on March 20th?!), I've especially been challenged with getting up and out as much as I should for some exercise. I admit that after a day spent running around, I find it easier to plop down on the couch than to pop up for a workout.
Last night, I decided it was time to give this indoor exercise stuff a try. I only know enough about exercise positions to be "dangerous" (another one of the reasons I love all of Helen's graphics!). I put on some music and started to lead my household (even the hubby was game) in a little, good-ole fashioned movement. We stretched. We jumped. We skipped. Best yet, we giggled like mad.
I turned up the tunes (U2 was my band of choice until the munchkin went running for the latest library rental - The Wiggles).
I admit I was having fun and noticed that I was actually breathing a bit harder.
When all was said and done, I felt great. No, it wasn't the kind of workout that left me sore for days or toned in minutes, but it was fun with the family. I felt like we had done a little something that was good for all of us.
As good as the physical benefits are, I recognized the other positive outcomes on my child's development:
*Family time. Family time. Family time. (No TV. No TV. No TV.)
*Providing a safe, supportive opportunity for my child to explore physical movement (the best is a toddler's jumping jacks!).
*Giggling and lots of talking (language development) as well as support of emotional-social development (don't we all feel better after a little moving and grooving?).
*And, best yet, the kiddo slept great (so much for all my other blogs on how to get a good night's sleep!).
Family fitness. I think the hardest part is removing myself from the couch.
After that, it's all good.
Maybe every night should be a family fitness night.
I'll try again tomorrow.
And you?
