Trends Insight brought to you weekly by IHRSA and the Ketchum Global Research Network.
One goal of the U.S. Surgeon General's 2004 Report on Physical Activity and Health is to promote family health and fitness.1 This is no surprise since obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death (only second to tobacco-related deaths)2, and is not only affecting adults.
The obesity rate includes more than ten percent of preschoolers between the ages of two and five.3 Childhood obesity is especially dangerous because the probability of it persisting into adulthood is estimated to increase from approximately 20 percent at age 4 to approximately 80 percent by adolescence.4
A major source of this problem is a decrease in energy stemming from more children getting less exercise and regular physical activity.5 Only 25 percent of adults and less than 50 percent of children in America exercise at the recommended levels of regular physical activity.6 One reason is that parents are faced with the difficult challenge of finding the motivation to work out and a way to incorporate exercise into daily activities that revolve around their kids.7
With the increase in childhood obesity, parents are now realizing their children should be exercising with them. Family fitness is a trend that promotes physical activity for both parents and children.
“You Have to be Prepared to Walk the Talk”
Parents cannot just tell their children to be active, but they must show their children how to be active. Parents that enjoy staying active will be positive examples for their children to stay active throughout their lives.8 "The earlier infants, toddlers, and preschool children get exposure to daily movement and exercise, the better the likelihood of healthy development in later life," says Jane Clark, PhD, who led the study behind NASPE’s Active Start exercise guidelines for infants.9
Dole’s “5 a Day” campaign is designed to motivate families to eat more fruits and vegetables and be physically active together. Dole encourages families to sign a contract that states, “I pledge to be a role model for my family by engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. I will try my best to help my family be active every day so that we will all be healthy.”10
Exercising outdoors is also a popular activity for families. The American Hiking Society has compiled a list of 10 family-friendly trails, all within an hour’s drive of major cities like Boston, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.11 “People need to take responsibility for their health habits and that of their children, rather than just dealing with the symptoms of an unhealthy lifestyle later,” M.D. and karate instructor, Randy Maul, said.12
Balancing Family and Exercise
A survey conducted by Shape Up America! shows that childcare responsibilities are interfering with the efforts of many families to get more exercise.13 In 2003, only 20% of parents said they exercised in their spare time.14
According to C. Everett Koop, M.D., noted Public Health Authority and former U.S. Surgeon General, the solution is a commitment on the part of the entire family to spend more time together.15 Although 38f parents said they played with their children in their spare time for fun and enjoyment in 2003, new exercise programs allow parents and children to spend their time together exercising doing more than running around the playground.
Katie Kilduff, a certified Aerobics and Fitness Association of America Aerobics instructor, created a 50-minute stroller workout called XerStroll as a way for parents to get back in shape while at the same time remaining socially connected.16 Family fitness brings exercising and family time together.
Implications for Health and Racquet Clubs
Both parents and children are not getting enough exercise. Create programs in your health club for both adults and children.
Childcare responsibilities are interfering with the efforts of many families to get more exercise. Create day care/children’s exercise facilities in your health club for parents to leave children while they exercise.
One goal of the U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health is to promote family health and fitness. Sponsor or host a “Day of Family Fitness” featuring family fitness activities.
According to C. Everett Koop, M.D., noted Public Health Authority and former U.S. Surgeon General, the solution is a commitment on the part of the entire family to spend more time together.17 Include programs at your health clubs where parents can exercise with their children.
Exercising outdoors is a popular activity for families. Offer special outdoor exercise trips or tips geared toward families.
1 Gilliam, Marjie. “Road to Fitness; Summer a Good Time to Set Family Health, Fitness Goals.” Dayton Daily News. July 13, 2004.
2 Larson, Heather. “Obesity: Second Leading Cause of Preventable Death in U.S.” Puma Press. May 2004.
3 American Academy Of Pediatrics. “Prevention Of Pediatric Overweight And Obesity.” Pediatrics Magazine. August 3, 2004.
4 Ibid.
5 “Exercise: A Family Affair.” American College of Sports Medicine.
6 Ibid.
7 Kelley, Jocelyn. “Family fitness: How to include kids in your workout routine.” TownOnline. July 23, 2004.
8 “Exercise: A Family Affair.” American College of Sports Medicine.
9 “Baby Weight.” Iconoculture. July 13, 2004.
10 “Family Fitness Contract.” Dole5aday.com.
11 “Climb Every Mountain.” Iconoculture. July 2, 2004
12 LeBlanc, Janette, Ph.D. “Fitness Runs in the Family: How to Raise a Healthy Kid!” BlueSuitMom.
13 Koop, C. Everett, M.D. “99 Tips for Family Fitness Fun.” Shape Up America! 2004.
14 Yankelovich, 2003.
15 Koop, C. Everett, M.D. “99 Tips for Family Fitness Fun.” Shape Up America! 2004.
16 LeBlanc, Janette, Ph.D. “Fitness Runs in the Family: How to Raise a Healthy Kid!” BlueSuitMom.
17 Koop, C. Everett, M.D. “99 Tips for Family Fitness Fun.” Shape Up America! 2004.
International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association
Seaport Center, 70 Fargo Street, Boston, MA 02210 USA phone: 800-228-4772 or +1 617-951-0055 fax: 617-951-0056 email:info@ihrsa.org Login
