Ask The Expert: Fitness
Making Fitness
A FAMILY AFFAIR by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Jesse James Fit & Outlaw Fitcamp
W
e learn by example. The same holds true for fitness. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that more than 80 percent of adults fail to meet guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. At the same time, 80 percent of adolescents do not get enough aerobic physical activity to meet the guidelines for youth. Isn’t it time that we set the example and teach our children about health and fitness by leading the way?
Children naturally look to parents as live an active lifestyle, and 2) you’re doing mentors and role models. That influence it together. In the gym, exercise together helps mold them into who and encourage one another they will be as adults and to go the extra step and to That influence is a key factor in how they not give up. Remember you, make decisions about life helps mold them as a parent, are modeling and about fitness. So make into who they will a fit and healthy lifestyle. fitness a family affair. be as adults and is Also consider a fitness Get Fit Together. Whether you walk together, bike together, or even dance together, the important fact is that 1) you
a key factor in how they make decisions about life...
trainer who can tailor a mother/child program
specifically to meet each of your personal goals, whether that’s cardio,
toning, strength building or weight loss.
Eat Healthy Together. That large order of french fries may taste delicious, but is it really the healthy lifestyle you want for your child? One in five school-aged children is obese according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Make a healthy diet part of your everyday life. Cut out the chips and sodas, and stock the fridge and pantry with healthy snacks like fruit, cheese, nuts, or yogurt. Make going out to eat a special event and try to prepare more meals at home as a family. Not only do you have more control over the ingredients and quality of your food, but meal preparation becomes a family activity. Take Care of Yourself. As a mother, consider how important your health is to your family. Fitness, specifically weight training, can help protect your bones and prevent osteoporosis-related injuries. With strength training, you’ll gain improved balance and coordination, which helps you keep a steady step and not fall. It is also beneficial in preventing bone loss and building new bone. Health and fitness can be extremely successful when you do it together as a family. At Jesse James Fit and Outlaw FitCamp, we encourage families to get fit together. We work with clients of all ages and fitness levels to help them reach their personal fitness goals.
972.355.2639 • JesseJamesFit.com | 940.497.6002 • OutlawFitcamp.com
18 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| April 2020
www.LakeCitiesLiving.com