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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Set an example

I'm trying to set a positive example for these boys...and every one around me!

As I find inspiration through fellow health bloggers, I find a trend and it is that we all strive to set an example for our families, our children, our parents...everyone.

Having an active lifestyle WILL impact your family in a positive way. We can't just want our children to be active, we must make healthy living a priority in our lives as well. I hope as a parent that I am doing just that.

I feel very strongly that we must associate physical fitness with fun and happiness, not as a chore or punishment! Too many times it is used incorrectly and we want our children to have a passion for being healthy and making exercise a positive part of their life.

Having been overweight myself, I find that people have found encouragement through my weight loss journey and I am able to serve as a "she did it, why can't I?" person! Yay! I couldn't ask for more than that. I think that also helped me relate to the overweight children I had the privilege of teaching. I helped them understand that change is possible and that their health is important! I wanted them to make a positive connection between exercise and feeling good!



So, I ask that you and I work together and set an example in our lives and the lives of our loved ones...spread your passion and love for health and fitness!

It will catch on and be contagious, I promise! As my husband's life changed and health became a priority, I watched my boys find a higher interest in exercise! They wanted to be like Daddy. They wanted to run fast like their Daddy and those moments for me are priceless!


It's never too late...EVER!


How will YOU set an example?






Yesterday's Workout: a great 5.4 mile run in the ridiculous heat! Yes, I said heat. While some of you are having to layer yourselves, I was dripping in sweat and could barely breath in the insane humidity! A cold front is approaching and I'm hoping it'll stay cool long enough for me to get a long run in this week?! My husband runs better in the heat and humidity and I am the total opposite, I'd rather it be freezing cold! Ha! What about you? Do you prefer hot or cold temps for running/exercise?






7 comments:

kimert said...

I love this post! I often feel super guilty about my gym time, esp when it comes to the kids BUT I remind myself it's the best thing I can do for them. Lead by example, in all things!

You know me... I love some cool weather running. Nice job on your run yesterday!! Sending you cooler weather vibes!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. :)

Sweat Is My Sanity said...

I am all over this right now. My kids are LOVING my healthy cooking and they all beg to go running with me. Little Mama a.k.a Sophia is begging to run the Turkey Trot but she's only 4 and we're doing the 10K (my son and I), so she'll have to wait. I took her running the other night and she kept up pretty dang good. She's got long legs and I'm short (she's adopted), so maybe she'll be running with me sooner than later. :)

runningtobeskinny.com

Kathy said...

We're doing a little 2 mile christmas lights run this weekend and I'm so excited to do this as a family! My kids have totally caught on to the fitness thing - they are always doing moves and showing me their "exercises" - they would have no thoughts in that direction if they didn't see me doing it.

I've got my hubby turned on to running more than ever and he's training for his 3rd half marathon now.

It's contagious and just like I get motivation from others, I know it comes around full circle.

I'm definitely a cold weather exerciser - I HATE running in the heat!

Mommy Minded said...

It is SO HUMID! I love this post and I am trying to set a good example! I will do better day by day!

jillconyers said...

One of the main reasons I put so much into health and fitness...my kids! I want them to see what I do along with what I say. Like you said, set a good example.

Great post!

Katie @ Will Race for Carbs said...

Marissa, your boys are so cute. I couldn't agree more with you about being an example. My kids are always asking if something is exercise and saying, oh we need to make sure we exercise today! And I much prefer the cold run to the hot run!

Anonymous said...

I always used to say part of why I ran was to set an example for my future children. I fully intend to get back to running and take baby girl with me in hopes she'll want to exercise with me someday.