If you have to drag your children by their feet, bribe – I mean motivate – them, or negotiate with them in order for them to become more physically active, you are not alone.
Children, especially when reaching the dreaded – I mean dear – teenage years, can be very difficult to understand. I struggle constantly with not understanding why my children are not interested in working out with me or why they don’t look forward to that “family” time. (I’m also still trying to convince my husband). I get frustrated and no matter what I do to entice them it just doesn’t fly with them.
I recently discovered the one thing that might answer many of my questions: Workout Mates. I have found that when I go on my walks with my friends, they will only enjoy going and actually truly working out if my friend’s kids of similar age are also there.
When it’s time for our daily walk (we started a walking club in July) the first thing my daughter does is text her BFF to see if she will be there. If she is, I see my daughter immediately gets her workout shorts and shirt, tennis shoes and exercise gear. There’s a particular glow in her face that happens with nothing else. Something similar happens when my son knows that any of his guy friends are coming.
Well, when I think about it, it only makes perfect sense. I enjoy working out with my friends, and find that my work out session is much more efficient when I do it along with friends. They are there to motivate and encourage me when I want to quit. Why would it be any different for my children? They need a special kind of support that we parents, for some weird reason, are not able to provide. Well, I guess that’s the human process of relating to and networking with each other.
As for my kids, I don’t argue with them anymore. When I want to push them a little farther, I just try to make sure that their BFFs are there and keep everyone happy. Works almost 100% of the time.
Related Posts:
I work out with my best friend almost daily. We work together so that makes it easy. We are also running partners and keep each other informed and motivated!
Sometimes, I enjoy a solitary workout, just because I tend to always have people with me when I work out!
I’ve also started a new walking group! It’s a group with my church. We meet weekly, share a Bible verse related to the environment or our bodies or walking, and then we spend 30 minutes walking in small groups, alone if desired, with a buddy, whatever works.
Jennise — I discovered this by accident last winter. We joined a community center with a gym that several families from our church also belong to. My oldest daughter has several friends who she can meet there. Sometimes they play racquetball, swim, lift weights or use the fitness equipment. And I’m much happier to drop her off there than I would be at the mall.
My daughter was a great workout partner, very motivating. We had to find some balance because she’s a jogger and I’m a walker.
Working out with friends is so important.
With my nonprofit, we have two walking times for women and me to walk with others for support! Its really important.