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The Family That Plays Together – and Exercises Together – Stays Together!Posted June 2008 by Jim Sargen
Outdoor Gyms and Fitness Zones Offer a Free and Fun Solution to the Need for Exercise The average family faces a dilemma. They know exercise is healthy. But they have no free time...and/or can't afford a gym membership. The answer, created by TriActive America’s founder James P. Sargen: installing a free outdoor gym for use as a family fitness center in parks, organizations, community centers, and other public areas. In Europe, these outdoor exercise areas also are known as “adult playgrounds.” The TriActive America model is more of a family fitness center, where children, pre-teens, teenagers, adults, and active older adults enjoy exercising together – for free! – in a park area, community center, organization, or other public area.
Psychology professor Dr. Rosalyn King notes the importance of providing an environment and care-giving that encourage an adolescent to make “a commitment to a system of values” (http://www.psyking.net/id183.htm). As she notes, adolescents need to formulate a sense of their values such as their “religious beliefs, vocational goals,” and philosophical outlook on life. Iris Prager, President of the American Association for Health Education, received her Ph.D. in Health Education from the University of Maryland. As she states in “Make Time for Family Bonding” (Health Expressions Web site), Creating a “strong family bond creates respect and admiration, and helps children learn to value family. Studies have even shown that children with strong family relationships are less likely to use drugs and alcohol. A few regular family activities are all it takes to make sure you stay close to your nearest and dearest.”
Among Dr. Prager’s key suggestions is the recommendation to “start moving. Exercising together will strengthen your muscles as well as your family. Take a walk, hike, or bike ride for a healthy activity that also teaches kids good health habits for life.”
Don’t Delay: Start Exercising Today!
Remember: it’s never too late to begin an exercise program, after first checking with your physician or health care provider for any guidelines or limitations that he or she wants you to observe.
Want to bring a free outdoor gym or TriActive fitness trail to your community? Contact us today: 800-595-1042.
The Surgeon General of the United States has released statistics and recommendations regarding the obesity epidemic among children and adolescents. Included are these suggestions for physical activity for parents and families:
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS
How Exercise Benefits Every Age Group As well-documented in nation-wide studies, obesity among every age group, from children and adolescents to adults and seniors, has dramatically increased in the last few decades. This epidemic is also impacted the health of adults.
Multiple studies show that “the best way to lose weight is to get more exercise,” as psychology expert Kathleen Stassen Berger notes (The Developing Person Through the Lifespan, 2005). However, surveys have revealed that one-fourth of all middle-aged adults and one-third of all older adults never exercise. In addition to weight loss and/or maintenance, exercise results in “a decline in the risk of almost every serious illness,” adds Berger (ibid).
For example, exercise can decrease the risk of diabetes and hypertension, as well as helping to prevent or mitigate osteoporosis.
In addition, exercise also benefits brain health. An additional advantage of both vigorous and modest exercise, especially for middle-aged and older people, is enhanced cognitive functioning, probably because of improved blood circulation to the brain,” Berger states (op cit). On an emotional level, “exercise decreases depression and hostility, making a person psychologically healthier as well as physically more fit,” according to Berger.
The benefit is more than just physical in nature. Fitness time can become an opportunity develop and share your family values. |
