Sounds easy, doesn’t it? If you’re like me, then the idea of setting just one intention freaks you out! Only 1? How do I pick? There are so many things I want to accomplish. But, on the other hand, if I never set 1 how will I possibly get to all of them? Can you tell I’m a Libra 😉 So, for today, I’m going to focus on fitness. I was lucky enough to do a photo shoot with the very inspiring fitness guru Chris Freytag; and in this month’s Prevention magazine, she’s put together a 28 day challenge. If you see the magazine, you’ll see that my goal is to be fit for life!
Fit for life sounds like a big, lofty goal, doesn’t it? It may very well be, but what’s more important than your health? I’m lucky to say that I come from a fit family (not super athletes, just regular people who exercise regularly!) and I want my kids to be able to say the same thing when they grow up. I know that no one needs to hear me say how important your health is, but I do feel the need to tell every parent out there that we are ultimately responsible for our kids fitness. Considering the health problems facing our kids, it’s something we should think about everyday.
I’ve learned first-hand that my kids learn best when I model the behaviors I want to see in them. It’s pretty powerful stuff! When little Gia sees me lacing up my tennis shoes, she wants to wear hers…when I run around on the beach it becomes a game she wants to play too! So last year when I was lucky enough to be in a commercial for “The More You Know” (PSA campaign airs on NBC) I was thrilled to share the important message that our kids need 60 minutes of play everyday.
For our little ones, play = exercise! When it’s fun, like dancing around the house like different farm animals or skipping down the sidewalk like butterflies, it’s easy to do.
I’m also so proud of Sprout’s initiative to encourage and inspire parents and kids to join the “Let’s Move” movement launched by First Lady Michelle Obama. Remember, something as simple as play time can make a huge difference. If you haven’t seen the commercial check it out, it’s pretty awesome!
My intention to be fit for life may be a big one, but I’m doing it for me and for my family. So, what’s your intention?
Michele Lepe 
Thanks for this, Michelle. I appreciate your honesty with the struggle to stay fit. Two years ago I had the opportunity to donate a kidney (which I’ve blogged about, if you’re interested to know more), and had to lose weight and get in shape for that. Well, two years later, I’ve gained back a bunch of that weight and have realized that for my health and, yes, to set good examples for my kids, I need to bring the weight down and get in better shape. So… all that to say that a fellow parent is with you in the struggle of the journey. Thanks again for using your career to be an advocate for something as essential as personal health and fitness!
Thanks so much for sharing that Chris. I have a friend who recently went through something similar and what an amazing life lesson it was for her son to see that dedication and selflessness of donating an organ!!!! I’m in awe!!! We are all on this journey of life together and it’s made easier with each other’s support!!
I try for 1.5 hours of fit activity per day. At 43, my goal is to be able to keep up with a 2 year old as he gets faster and I get slower. When I get home, I shoot for some backyard fun just to have him run around. He loves just chasing a golf ball around. Simple, but keeps him going.
Along the same lines, anyone else amazed at kid’s menu choices at restaurants? Same old grilled cheese, mac/cheese, and fried chicken tenders. There should be a law!
Good for you!!! There’s no need to over think things. 2 year olds have a blast chasing a golf ball around the yard!! And I totally agree with you about the kids menu. I can’t always do it, but I usually try to feed the toddler before we go out so she’s just not that interested in the junk. Then I can get away with giving her something off my plate (presuming of course I’ve ordered something healthy! Lol!) a friend of mine owns a restaurant in Miami called City Hall and he actually has child size salmon and chicken meals with veggies on his menu! My Gia loved it!!! I wish more places did that.