Setting the Fitness Example for Your Child
As parents, we all want the best for our children—whether it’s excelling in school, thriving in their chosen sport, or developing lifelong healthy habits. I understand this even more now being a parent myself. While we encourage our kids to stay active and prioritize their fitness, it’s essential to remember one simple truth: kids learn by watching us.
If you want your child to embrace a healthy lifestyle, the best thing you can do is lead by example. Modeling fitness habits shows them that staying active isn’t just a chore; it’s a vital part of life after sports.
Why Parental Role Models Matter in Fitness
Living in the Portland Metro area, particularly in Beaverton and Tigard, often means juggling busy schedules filled with commuting and shuttling kids to and from various activities. Whether it’s practice for soccer, basketball, or gymnastics, parents spend a significant amount of time on the road. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average commute time in the Portland Metro area is 25 minutes each way. I don’t know about you, but that seems way too low, especially with 217 under its umpteenth year of construction and seemingly more and more people moving to the area. Shoot, I drove from Southridge High School to Jefferson High School for AAU basketball practice 3 nights a week and I can assure you, it was much more than 25 minutes! Anyways – add in the time spent waiting during practices, and it’s easy to see how parents can feel exhausted after a long day. Yet, there’s one area where this time can be used not only to benefit your child but also to improve your own health: fitness.
- Behavior is Contagious: Children naturally mimic what they see. If you prioritize your fitness and treat it as an essential part of your routine, they’re more likely to adopt that mindset themselves.
- Shared Values Build Connection: By working out while your child is training or playing sports, you reinforce the importance of shared values like discipline, perseverance, and commitment.
- Healthy Habits Last a Lifetime: Instilling fitness as a family value ensures your kids carry that mindset into adulthood, making it easier for them to prioritize their health as they grow.
The Power of Parental Influence on Kids' Health
As parents, we play a pivotal role in shaping our children’s behaviors, especially when it comes to physical activity. Studies have shown that children are more likely to engage in regular exercise if their parents model these behaviors. According to research, children of physically active parents are more likely to participate in physical activity themselves, making it essential for parents to set a positive example.
From birth to middle school, I lived in Roseburg, Oregon where my dad was a football coach, track and field coach and also a health and PE teacher. I remember countless times running around the gym while he was working out and numerous times while both my mom and my dad were working out. Looking back on it, having years and years of that engrained in my head, it’s one thing that’s made fitness so normal to me now as a husband and father.
Additionally, research from the American Heart Association supports this, showing that parental physical activity is linked to better health outcomes for children, including reduced risk for obesity and better cardiovascular health. Parents who make fitness a priority not only improve their own well-being but also significantly influence their children’s health habits.
Unfortunately, childhood obesity is still a widespread issue in the U.S. The CDC reports that nearly 20% of children aged 2-19 years are obese. Yet, parents who regularly engage in fitness and make it a family activity have the power to help combat this growing problem. It’s not just about encouraging physical activity—it’s about living it.
Family Fitness Nights at APEX
At APEX PWR in Tigard, Oregon, we believe that fitness should be a family activity. We also understand how you make sacrifices to provide for your children and that with the commutes and all the demands that sports these days brings, we want to make it easy to make fitness a family affair. That’s why we offer evening programs where parents can work out while their children engage in youth performance training. This creates an excellent opportunity for families to stay active together, even when life is busy.
Parents can take advantage of the time their children are training to focus on their own fitness goals—whether it’s strength training, improving mobility, or cardio (our adult group training has strength AND cardio classes available). Having both parents and kids working on their fitness goals simultaneously reinforces the idea that health and fitness are integral to everyday life. Plus, it offers parents the chance to connect with their kids in a meaningful way, while fostering positive habits that will last a lifetime.
- Youth Athlete Training: While your child focuses on building strength, speed, and resilience with our expert coaches, you can join a fitness session tailored to your goals.
- Adult Group Classes: Parents can participate in strength training or HIIT workouts while their kids are in youth programs. No need to sacrifice your fitness for their schedule—you both get to improve at the same time!
- A Collaborative Environment: Sharing the same space fosters a supportive, motivational atmosphere. Seeing you work hard can inspire your child to push themselves too.
- Physical Therapy: As we get older, we’re not the same as we once were. Instead of spraining an ankle while going up for a rebound in basketball, you might bend over wrong and tweak your back. Instead of letting an injury keep you away from workouts, you can let our expert sports physical therapy staff put you through a session to not only work on the issue at hand, but also build in strength and endurance to make it more of a workout. You can even utilize your health insurance, HSA or FSA for this!
Benefits of Working Out Together
- Quality Time: Even if you’re doing separate workouts, being together in the same environment creates a shared experience that strengthens family bonds.
- Aligned Goals: When parents and children work on their fitness, it’s easier to stay on track as a team, holding each other accountable.
- Stress Relief for All Ages: Exercise is a great way for parents to de-stress from work while kids blow off energy from school or sports.
Lead by Example, Start Today
Your fitness journey isn’t just about you—it’s about inspiring the next generation. By prioritizing your health and showing your children that fitness is non-negotiable, you’re helping them build a foundation for lifelong wellness.
At APEX PWR, we’re proud to offer programs that support families on this journey together. Whether you’re training for your next personal best or just starting your fitness journey, there’s a place for you and your child at APEX.
By working out together at APEX PWR, you not only show your children the importance of fitness but also set them up for success by making physical activity a shared family value.
At APEX PWR in Tigard, Oregon, we’ve made it easier than ever for parents and kids to embrace fitness together. Our evening sessions are the perfect opportunity for families to stay active under the same roof:
Let’s build strong, active families together. Ready to get started?
Visit APEX PWR to explore our youth athlete programs and adult fitness options today
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