Parents Need to Exercise Not Only for Themselves but for Their Kids

If you are a parent, it’s time to get active. Get active for yourself first and foremost. We know all of the positive side effects of exercise- improved mood, higher energy, improved sleep, reduced anxiety/depression, and increased life span.

So if that isn’t enough of a reason to workout, then do it for your kid(s). Parenting is a lot of work. Our high energy kids have us running wild and bouncing off the walls- from playing hide and seek, to pretending to be a bear-these little monsters put us to work. But if you take the time for yourself to get a little exercise in, you will not only be able to keep up with them longer,you’ll also be setting an incredible example for them.

Showing your kids that you take the time to take care of your body is leading by example. We all want our kids to have less screen time and more physical activity, but if we are also in front of a screen what are we showing them? Your kids seeing you come home all sweaty and bright red in the face is an amazing way to show them how important fitness is.

As a parent, it is so tough to take time for yourself but also so important. Taking that hour to go and workout will only make you a better parent (even though you may feel guilty about it). It will help you relieve stress, become more alert, have more energy, and be able to better handle difficult situations. Exercise has countless benefits, both physically and mentally. When you are physically fit, you have more energy to chase after your kids and keep up with their activities. You also become less susceptible to injury and illness. And when you feel good about yourself, it shows in your parenting. You’re more patient, less easily frazzled, and better able to cope with the curveballs that parenting inevitably throws your way.

When you workout it starts a conversation. Let your kids know that you are heading out for a workout and tell them how it makes you feel better. Explain to them the amazing benefits of exercise and how important it is for our health. Next time you’re done running around the backyard, ask them how they feel. Explain to them that exercise releases endorphins that are so important in making us feel happy and help us focus. I know our little guy sits way better at the dinner table if we run and play right before we eat.

You don’t always have to go alone- bring your kid(s) with you. What better way to show our kids how important exercise is than to have them join you in a workout. Research shows that kids who are active at least one hour a day stay more active and healthy throughout their lives. Healthy kids lead to healthier adults, which means a lower chance of diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, lung issues and even lower rates of cancer. They also have higher self-esteem which helps reduce anxiety and depression. Children who also exercise at least an hour a day (total, not consecutive) generally score higher on aptitude tests and have a higher performance in school. If those aren’t reasons enough, I don’t know what is…

Healthy families are happy families. Not only are you setting your children up for a more successful life, you are doing the same for yourself too. Get active and instill those healthy habits in their lives. After all, they are watching everything you do. So get sweaty and lead by example- your whole family will thank you for it.

By Brett Kirkland