Start a Family Fitness Program for Your Family

As a martial arts teacher and a dad, it's only natural that my healthy lifestyle extends beyond the karate school and into my family life.

My wife and my children all have a healthy mindset and a great appreciation for fitness and eating healthy. (watch the video below of my 7 year old son, Christain, having fun exercising at the park)

5 simple suggestions for families who would like to start living a more healthy and fitness life.

1. Make a Game of It

It is important to keep family fitness fun, especially when children are involved. It will then seem less like a chore and the kids may actually look forward to exercise. Go to the park or take a hike. Spend one hour playing games like tag, red light-green light or family tee-ball and touch football. If this doesn't sound fun, stay inside, turn on fun music and dance around for half an hour.

2. Get Creative

Find creative ways to introduce fitness and a healthy lifestyle to your family. Make a rule that if someone watches TV, commercials must be spent doing sit-ups, push ups, jumping jacks or squats. Incorporate chores by turning toy clean-up into a race, or make a basketball game out of throwing dirty clothes in a hamper.

3. Input From Every Family Member

Allow every family member to choose an activity and make a list of possible activities to choose from. This list might include walks, bike rides, dance and fitness videos or martial arts classes. The variety in activities will prevent boredom and will make exercise seem less like a chore.

4. Stay Committed

Set a good example for your kids by staying committed to a healthy lifestyle. Don't allow time-off or breaks in routine unless it can't be helped. If you stay enthusiastic and upbeat about it, your kids will follow suit. Kids will then learn to make fitness a permanent part of their lives.

5. Small Things Matter

If starting a complete family fitness program seems too daunting, start small. Park at the far edge of the mall parking lot in order to walk farther. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. When picking up or dropping off at school, don't pull up all the way to the front door. Have your child walk around the grocery store instead of riding in a cart. Chances are, your child won't even notice these changes.

These are just some simple ideas, come up with your own. Please share your ideas below in our comments section.

Now, grab your loved ones and get fit!

- Peter Liciaga, Your Mount Laurel Martial Artist

"My wife and I are currently developing an online family fitness challenge resource site."

For more information about the Family Fitness Challenge, email pliciaga@gmail.com

This blog is part of Peter Liciaga's effort to promote the Ultimate Black Belt Test Program ( http://www.ultimateblackbelttest.com), which is an undertaking of The 100. (http://www.the100.us/), and a part of Peter Liciaga's Dream 100 Project.