Good or Bad Example

pftjill
pftjill Posts: 488
edited October 6 in Fitness and Exercise
I am a nationally certified personal trainer. I go to the gym and workout at home a lot. So my children have come to know exercise. I know it is important to instill these things in your children. I know they need to know it is an important part of life. However, i don't want to go over board to where they become obsessed.

I woke up and got to the gym at 5 am to do my cardio-hubs leaves around 6:30am. So got home and did some more cardio with some strength training while my older two watched. So my oldest started to do the workout and she told my middle daughter-you have to practice now so we are ready when we are older and can go to the gym. Every time I take them to the play room they tell me they can't wait until they are older and can go exercise in the other part of the gym. They are 6 and 4.

So what do you think-have I been a good example or bad. They eat the same as I do-so it isn't like I am on insane diets or anything. Just eating normally.

Replies

  • applebobbrush
    applebobbrush Posts: 235 Member
    IMO I think that is great. Your kids are interested in being active and that is something you don't see instilled in A LOT of kids these days. Most kids want to sit around and watch TV and play on the computer. Which nothing is wrong with that, in moderation. We need more kids interested in being active and fit early and then laziness won't be a bad habit to break later in life when it's affecting their health issues. Way to go mom!
  • jsteffen80
    jsteffen80 Posts: 136
    That's a good question. My dad was very into fitness (marathon runner) when I was younger, but he never really taught me anything about it. When he was working out it was 'don't mess with daddy' time. Top that with the fact that I was never allowed in the workout room, and I grew up lazy.

    I think it's best to let kids experiment, and help them with the things they want to do. I wouldn't go out of my way to make them run laps, or force them to do pushups until they puke, but I think it's fantastic when my little boy comes down and punches the punching bag, or wants to ride the spin bike while I'm working out. I need to get the room set up better so he can do more along with me.

    Teach them, guide them, set a good example, let them experiment, but don't force them.
  • pftjill
    pftjill Posts: 488
    I use to run a kids bootcamp and my daughter would do it, but I would always ask her if she wanted to go-I never made her go.
  • cgraylyon
    cgraylyon Posts: 292 Member
    I think you are a fantastic example for your kids. I workout everyday and sometimes my kids will join me a bit or they will ask if later we can go for a walk or bike ride. I hope them watching me is making them want to be more active. That has been one of my goals since starting MFP.
  • nikkicarter13
    nikkicarter13 Posts: 231 Member
    I think it's an awesome idea. When I have kids, I hope to instill healthy habits on them. I think as long as your encouraging them and not forcing it on them it's a good example. I didn't have any "healthy" role models in my life and health and exercise didn't happen for me until my late 20's and I always wish it had been sooner. Great job!
  • roberts1013
    roberts1013 Posts: 103 Member
    My kids are 9,7,and 3 when I go down stairs to work out they come down and try and do it with me. I think its great I enjoy the company. and watching them try so hard makes me smile. when they get bored or are tired they get up and leave to go play or just sit and talk to me. I think what your kids are doing is great and dont see anything wrong with them looking forward to working out and spending that extra time with you!!
  • unicornassassin
    unicornassassin Posts: 141 Member
    I think it's great that you're modeling healthy behavior. Your kids are wanting to learn how to exercise, and they are practicing for when they are older. That sounds like really healthy, happy behavior to me.

    I think the only problem that you would run into would be if you were to send them messages that they were only valuable if they worked out and had idealized bodies... but just exercising because you enjoy it and it's your job, I can't see any problem with just that part.
  • pftjill
    pftjill Posts: 488
    It is funny. My dad always lifted weights all my life as far as I can remember. My mom never worked out and was always a little heavier. She raised us all to be athletes though. I have 7 brothers and sisters and we are all very active and my mom has recently jumped on board the last few years and she is doing so amazing. I don't really know what instilled in us the desire as we got older, but all 7 of us love to work out. In fact last year at Thanksgiving we held our own 5k-hahaha. It was great. I do hope I can keep this going with my kids and it will be something we can share together.
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