It no longer surprises me when clients react to learning that I take my kids to the gym. Over the years I have grown to expect reactions. Questions like "What do they need to do to get out of going?" and "When will you stop making them go?", sound to me as if the questioner thinks that I am forcing my kids as a type of punishment. It is not a punishment, it is a belief.
I believe that if you have a body you should take care of it.
How your body, ideally, needs taken care of is different than anyone else's - which is one of the reasons that I am so against comparatives, but every body needs movement. There is simply no substitute.
I work in fitness so my kids have always had the opportunity to exercise, but mostly just play. A few years ago I decided it was time to start taking them with me to the gym a couple of times a week. Now, before you start making some comments about how it would suck to be my kid - you know who you are - let me be clear that I do not set expectations for what they must do at the gym. I don't want them to hate exercise. My goal is that they get used to the idea that going to a place for exercise is common, expected and simply what one does.
It is far too easy in our society to allow our health to become something that we only think about after it fails. Caring for your body is something that requires consistency and in our busy lives that consistency can quickly become non-existent. Being around people who hold a similar value and understanding of self-care, reinforces the importance in our own lives to make the effort.
When I first planned the layout of the EQUIVITA facility I made sure to build a space for kids. Now, it is still just as important to me even though my kids no longer use it. The reason that having a space for kids is important has little to do with making the parents feel comfortable bringing kids and more about the kids themselves. I want kids to get a feel for what people do to take care of their bodies. Leave kids at home while you workout and they will have no understanding of the difference between going to the gym and going to a movie. Bring them with you and even if they are not in the same room, they see that there is something you do to take care of your body.
As with kids, the same is true for adults. If you are around people who are active and caring for themselves, then you will be more likely to care for yourself. So, in a very real sense who you choose to spend your time with has an effect on your health and well-being.
Choose wisely, and, as always, let me know how I can help.
Adam
I believe that if you have a body you should take care of it.
How your body, ideally, needs taken care of is different than anyone else's - which is one of the reasons that I am so against comparatives, but every body needs movement. There is simply no substitute.
I work in fitness so my kids have always had the opportunity to exercise, but mostly just play. A few years ago I decided it was time to start taking them with me to the gym a couple of times a week. Now, before you start making some comments about how it would suck to be my kid - you know who you are - let me be clear that I do not set expectations for what they must do at the gym. I don't want them to hate exercise. My goal is that they get used to the idea that going to a place for exercise is common, expected and simply what one does.
It is far too easy in our society to allow our health to become something that we only think about after it fails. Caring for your body is something that requires consistency and in our busy lives that consistency can quickly become non-existent. Being around people who hold a similar value and understanding of self-care, reinforces the importance in our own lives to make the effort.
When I first planned the layout of the EQUIVITA facility I made sure to build a space for kids. Now, it is still just as important to me even though my kids no longer use it. The reason that having a space for kids is important has little to do with making the parents feel comfortable bringing kids and more about the kids themselves. I want kids to get a feel for what people do to take care of their bodies. Leave kids at home while you workout and they will have no understanding of the difference between going to the gym and going to a movie. Bring them with you and even if they are not in the same room, they see that there is something you do to take care of your body.
As with kids, the same is true for adults. If you are around people who are active and caring for themselves, then you will be more likely to care for yourself. So, in a very real sense who you choose to spend your time with has an effect on your health and well-being.
Choose wisely, and, as always, let me know how I can help.
Adam
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