Who are you staying fit for?
Many people think that the biggest motivation in feeling fit and looking their best is getting into a new pair of jeans. For others, however, the motivation for living a healthy lifestyle is perhaps even greater. In a world where so many individuals are obese and the entire nation is paying the consequences, eating and exercising right is the best way for parents to set a healthy example for their children.
From muscular endurance to strength training to stretching classes for seniors, today’s options are virtually unlimited. It is important to remember, however, that there are even easier ways to make sure that you are getting the amount of exercise that can lead to a healthier life. Walking in the morning and again at night, for instance, can easily combine for the recommended amount of activity to stay your healthiest self.
Whole Family Fitness Continues to be a Growing Trend for Many Americans
Perhaps even more important than lookin great in that new little black dress or feeling comfortable in your swimsuit on the beach, working toward a goal of family fitness is especially important in today’s world. As adults, we all know that our actions speak louder than our words, but too often parents spend an inordinate amount of time correcting children on their behavior, while at the same time ignoring serious health concerns of their own.
If you have watched the news or read online content at all lately, you should not be surprised that the latest research indicates that currently more than 80% of adults do not meet the guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. As another example of just how far our nation has to go in reaching a healthier level of fitness, consider this fact:
fewer than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Furthermore, only two in three adults receive the recommended amount of physical activity each week. Challenging statistics when you realize that the nation as a whole is paying a high price in hospital costs, medication prices, and long term chronic health conditions.
Parents who pay attention to their own fitness are more likely to have children who will do the same. Mothers and fathers who model healthy eating, in fact, can create a palette for their children that may crave fruits and vegetables and healthy proteins more than fast food items.
Consider some of these other facts and figures about the many ways the right fitness choices can make you a better parent and lead to the ultimate goal of having a healthier overall nation:
- Even when they have the opportunity to start fresh and achieve a new goal, 80% of people do not keep their New Year’s resolution. These are often plans to follow a healthier diet and to lead a more active lifestyle.
- Approximately 28.0% of Americans, which represents 80.2 million people, age six and older are physically inactive./li>
- One popular option that many busy people are turning to is high-intensity interval training. Known even more by its initials, HIIT workouts generally last a mere 30 minutes, an amount of time that many people think they can find time for.
- Only 35% to 44% of adults 75 years or older are physically active, and 28% to 34% of adults ages 65 to 74 are physically active. This could be an indicator that the people who live the longest are the ones who are more likely stay active.
- Overall, the US Department of Health and Human Services recommends that people aged 18 to 64 engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week.
In addition to making sure that you are setting the best example for your children and attempting to look your best, there is another important benefit of getting a regular amount of exercise. Did you know that 60% of people who weight train get an average of seven hours or more of sleep per night? Given that a healthy amount of sleep is an indicator of an even healthier lifestyle, this means that the decision to weight train can help you wake up and be more ready for the next day.