Re: Question about girls and exercise

[Guest guest]

Hi Annlouise! It's great to see that you want to get your kids into the exercise

habit. I'm a teacher, and you have to start them young! When kids are little,

they LOVE to move, so nurture that and make it fun for them! Have family games

of basketball and baseball, go for walks and bike rides, play tag, etc. If your

kids are into video games, there's a game called Dance Dance Revolution and kids

love it! It's a good workout too..gets even me out of breath. Try to limit their

time spent watching tv and let them help plan meals and pack their lunches. You

can make lots of healthy foods fun for kids to eat. Cut sandwiches w/ cookie

cutters, make " ants on a log " w/ celery and peanut butter and raisins. Make your

own pizza at home w/ whole wheat crust, lots of veggies and reduced fat cheese.

Sorry to keep going on, but it's a big mission of mine to try to get kids

healthier! I see what they serve for lunch and all I can say is PACK!!!!!

Annlouise <weezieworks@...> wrote: It has been interesting to read how a

lot of us are over 30+, 40+,

etc. and are trying to get into the best shape of our lives or are

already there. I am included in this scenerio. I wasn't really into

fitness, etc. as a teen or young woman. I developed early so I didn't

really feel comfortable with my body. I didn't want to play sports.

I was not thin but I wasn't fat either so I didn't really do anything

fitness wise. I wish that I had now. I wish that it had been a

natural thing to me. Now that I have 2 little girls I am interested

in other opinions on how to give them that desire/love of exercise and

fitness so that they don't get into the shape that I did. What do you

all think? I guess the biggest one is letting them see me working out

and eating correctly. But will that be enough? It doesn't have to be

just about girls but boys too (as I have two of those also). Just

curious in what others think.

Annlouise

[Guest guest]

Hi Annlouise! It's great to see that you want to get your kids into the exercise

habit. I'm a teacher, and you have to start them young! When kids are little,

they LOVE to move, so nurture that and make it fun for them! Have family games

of basketball and baseball, go for walks and bike rides, play tag, etc. If your

kids are into video games, there's a game called Dance Dance Revolution and kids

love it! It's a good workout too..gets even me out of breath. Try to limit their

time spent watching tv and let them help plan meals and pack their lunches. You

can make lots of healthy foods fun for kids to eat. Cut sandwiches w/ cookie

cutters, make " ants on a log " w/ celery and peanut butter and raisins. Make your

own pizza at home w/ whole wheat crust, lots of veggies and reduced fat cheese.

Sorry to keep going on, but it's a big mission of mine to try to get kids

healthier! I see what they serve for lunch and all I can say is PACK!!!!!

Annlouise <weezieworks@...> wrote: It has been interesting to read how a

lot of us are over 30+, 40+,

etc. and are trying to get into the best shape of our lives or are

already there. I am included in this scenerio. I wasn't really into

fitness, etc. as a teen or young woman. I developed early so I didn't

really feel comfortable with my body. I didn't want to play sports.

I was not thin but I wasn't fat either so I didn't really do anything

fitness wise. I wish that I had now. I wish that it had been a

natural thing to me. Now that I have 2 little girls I am interested

in other opinions on how to give them that desire/love of exercise and

fitness so that they don't get into the shape that I did. What do you

all think? I guess the biggest one is letting them see me working out

and eating correctly. But will that be enough? It doesn't have to be

just about girls but boys too (as I have two of those also). Just

curious in what others think.

Annlouise

[Guest guest]

Hi Annlouise -

I have 2 daughters, age 13 & 16. I was NEVER athletic, I NEVER did

anything physical, and, in fact, I was even somewhat scornful when the

girls started school, and other parents told me about the need to live near

the high school, to make it easier for them to participate in sports.

I kept thinking that I should do something, to set a good example for them.

I kept thinking I should start an exercise program, to show them how I'm

not good at first, but that I could improve with practice.

I kept thinking I should show them the importance of having balance in my

life (ie, academics + downtime + sports + music etc).

I never did anything. And I found myself over 45, with two.... total

jocks! They showed me!

My younger daughter has always been inclined towards wanting to be

physically active. My older daughter was never interested, until a coach

was her chaperone on a field trip, and he badgered her for 3 days until she

agreed to try out for a sport in 7th or 8th grade; now she's totally into

several activities, and it's ingrained in her.

You will be AMAZED at how many opportunities there will be for your kids to

participate in sports. The issue won't be finding something for them to

do! The issue will be which to choose, and how to limit them so they don't

get over-booked with their time.

It's a whole different story today than when we were kids in

school. There are school sports, and house leagues, and travel leagues,

and town rec dept teams, and the local Ym, and one-week sport camps during

breaks, and sleepaway sports camps, and programs during the summer. For

every level of ability and every level of time commitment and every budget

(believe me, some sports are $$$$)

And, we've found that the kids aren't as clichey as it used to be. ie, you

can be a brain AND play soccer (at least, in this town)

I think it's important not to overbook toddlers into a gazillion

activities; they don't get it and it's too early.

The other thing I've learned recently, and wished I had known earlier, is

about LIFETIME SPORTS (such as tennis, golf, skiing). In other words,

soccer is great, and the team-spirit is great, but I doubt that my daughter

will continue to play soccer in college or as an adult. Some families have

actively had their kids learn sports that they'll be able to play for the

rest of their lives, with their co-workers, friends, and when they have

families of their own. We've done that a little, but I sort of wish I had

been more organized or pro-active about that.

Anyway, that's my rambling 2 cents on the subject.

n

At 03:09 PM 4/10/2006, you wrote:

>It has been interesting to read how a lot of us are over 30+, 40+,

>etc. and are trying to get into the best shape of our lives or are

>already there. I am included in this scenerio. I wasn't really into

>fitness, etc. as a teen or young woman. I developed early so I didn't

>really feel comfortable with my body. I didn't want to play sports.

>I was not thin but I wasn't fat either so I didn't really do anything

>fitness wise. I wish that I had now. I wish that it had been a

>natural thing to me. Now that I have 2 little girls I am interested

>in other opinions on how to give them that desire/love of exercise and

>fitness so that they don't get into the shape that I did. What do you

>all think? I guess the biggest one is letting them see me working out

>and eating correctly. But will that be enough? It doesn't have to be

>just about girls but boys too (as I have two of those also). Just

>curious in what others think.

>Annlouise

[Guest guest]

Hi Annlouise -

I have 2 daughters, age 13 & 16. I was NEVER athletic, I NEVER did

anything physical, and, in fact, I was even somewhat scornful when the

girls started school, and other parents told me about the need to live near

the high school, to make it easier for them to participate in sports.

I kept thinking that I should do something, to set a good example for them.

I kept thinking I should start an exercise program, to show them how I'm

not good at first, but that I could improve with practice.

I kept thinking I should show them the importance of having balance in my

life (ie, academics + downtime + sports + music etc).

I never did anything. And I found myself over 45, with two.... total

jocks! They showed me!

My younger daughter has always been inclined towards wanting to be

physically active. My older daughter was never interested, until a coach

was her chaperone on a field trip, and he badgered her for 3 days until she

agreed to try out for a sport in 7th or 8th grade; now she's totally into

several activities, and it's ingrained in her.

You will be AMAZED at how many opportunities there will be for your kids to

participate in sports. The issue won't be finding something for them to

do! The issue will be which to choose, and how to limit them so they don't

get over-booked with their time.

It's a whole different story today than when we were kids in

school. There are school sports, and house leagues, and travel leagues,

and town rec dept teams, and the local Ym, and one-week sport camps during

breaks, and sleepaway sports camps, and programs during the summer. For

every level of ability and every level of time commitment and every budget

(believe me, some sports are $$$$)

And, we've found that the kids aren't as clichey as it used to be. ie, you

can be a brain AND play soccer (at least, in this town)

I think it's important not to overbook toddlers into a gazillion

activities; they don't get it and it's too early.

The other thing I've learned recently, and wished I had known earlier, is

about LIFETIME SPORTS (such as tennis, golf, skiing). In other words,

soccer is great, and the team-spirit is great, but I doubt that my daughter

will continue to play soccer in college or as an adult. Some families have

actively had their kids learn sports that they'll be able to play for the

rest of their lives, with their co-workers, friends, and when they have

families of their own. We've done that a little, but I sort of wish I had

been more organized or pro-active about that.

Anyway, that's my rambling 2 cents on the subject.

n

At 03:09 PM 4/10/2006, you wrote:

>It has been interesting to read how a lot of us are over 30+, 40+,

>etc. and are trying to get into the best shape of our lives or are

>already there. I am included in this scenerio. I wasn't really into

>fitness, etc. as a teen or young woman. I developed early so I didn't

>really feel comfortable with my body. I didn't want to play sports.

>I was not thin but I wasn't fat either so I didn't really do anything

>fitness wise. I wish that I had now. I wish that it had been a

>natural thing to me. Now that I have 2 little girls I am interested

>in other opinions on how to give them that desire/love of exercise and

>fitness so that they don't get into the shape that I did. What do you

>all think? I guess the biggest one is letting them see me working out

>and eating correctly. But will that be enough? It doesn't have to be

>just about girls but boys too (as I have two of those also). Just

>curious in what others think.

>Annlouise

[Guest guest]

I don't know where you live and what it's like there

but I think nationwide the whole thing is changed from when I was a kid

girls play sports now all the time

How old are your girls?

when my boys (didn't have any girls) we encouraged them to play sports

ask if they want to try out for a team

go to the games

have after game parties

i think sports are more fun for kids than " working out "

felicity

[Guest guest]

> I guess the biggest one is letting them see me working out

> and eating correctly. But will that be enough?

Setting a good example can be of course a good thing, as long as you

dont do the comparison thing. Thats one way to turn a kids ears right

off (blahblahblah like the adults talking to Charlie Brown LoL!) And

its not all about being the exercising/eating right example, but

being able to actually teach them (what you've learned) about

nutrition - its a life long gift you can give your kids.

I think the sports thing depends on your kids tho. My two daughters

loathed sports as they are not competitive and were always kind of

shy all thru the school years. I recall writing them many many excuse

notes to get out of PE class (like who wants to play soccar in the

rain eh?)but nonetheless they both grew up to be slim-trim because

they learned at an early age about nutrition(a protein from a carb,

good choices etc etc). Sure they still have the occasional chocolate

binge, but today they snowboard, do yoga, hike, bike, swim, etc but

all their exercise choices whether gym related or recreational are

not sport nor team related. They may go bowling with friends, but

they would never want to nor even think of joining a team. So yeah it

may depend on your child - dont force them into sports thinking its

the only way for them to be fit or it may backfire on you - encourage

them, teach them, but dont nag at em.

joni

------------------------------------------------

*Lift well, Eat less, Walk fast, Live long*

[Guest guest]

> I guess the biggest one is letting them see me working out

> and eating correctly. But will that be enough?

Setting a good example can be of course a good thing, as long as you

dont do the comparison thing. Thats one way to turn a kids ears right

off (blahblahblah like the adults talking to Charlie Brown LoL!) And

its not all about being the exercising/eating right example, but

being able to actually teach them (what you've learned) about

nutrition - its a life long gift you can give your kids.

I think the sports thing depends on your kids tho. My two daughters

loathed sports as they are not competitive and were always kind of

shy all thru the school years. I recall writing them many many excuse

notes to get out of PE class (like who wants to play soccar in the

rain eh?)but nonetheless they both grew up to be slim-trim because

they learned at an early age about nutrition(a protein from a carb,

good choices etc etc). Sure they still have the occasional chocolate

binge, but today they snowboard, do yoga, hike, bike, swim, etc but

all their exercise choices whether gym related or recreational are

not sport nor team related. They may go bowling with friends, but

they would never want to nor even think of joining a team. So yeah it

may depend on your child - dont force them into sports thinking its

the only way for them to be fit or it may backfire on you - encourage

them, teach them, but dont nag at em.

joni

------------------------------------------------

*Lift well, Eat less, Walk fast, Live long*

[Guest guest]

Good post Joni - competitive sports aren't for everyone, and there are so

many options available today that it's easy to find something for everyone.

On the nutrition side - I forgot to add that one of the best transitions I

made when my girls were younger was to switch from fruit juice to water

(when I sent snack with them to school, packed their lunch, and at the

dinner table).

Also - when I switched to 6 small meals a day, they commented that this is

what I did for them when they were younger - they had breakfast,

mid-morning snack, lunch, mid-afternoon snack, dinner, and dessert. The

difference is the balance - I am more attuned now to have protein AND carb

at each feeding. And now they're attuned to that as well, and are more

inclined to have some of each (rather than just carb).

n

At 03:57 AM 4/11/2006, you wrote:

><SNIP> My two daughters

>loathed sports as they are not competitive and were always kind of

>shy all thru the school years. <SNIP>

[Guest guest]

Love all the other posts on this.

Here's what the research shows: girls get their athletic

inclination directly as a result of how active/athletic their father

is, and how involved he is in their lives (physically loving,

caring, etc). They need to get the message that their father is

comfortable hugging, kissing, etc even when they develop AND they

need to see him out there playing sports/working out. Of course,

not every case is based on that, there are some natural born

athletes who will pursue that interest whether or not their father

figure is athletic & affectionate or not.

However, Moms play a huge role in nutrition and eating habits. Moms

who put down those healthy dinners and maintain a healthy weight

produce children who eat healthy foods and keep their weight healthy

too. Some of these kids go on to college and gain a few but overall

their weights remain healthy thru adulthood.

These are all just results of questionarres and such so this is not

the end all information on the subject. I'm very active and both of

my kids see me lifting weights, working out and walking a lot and I

definately see that they are more comfortable with the idea of

enjoying strenuous activity and pushing themselves (I see it in my 4

yr old). As a family, we have decided to definately include

athletics and fun activites as a cornerstone of what we enjoy during

non-school/work hours. Of course, we enjoy some couch time too!

Anyhow, I think you are on the right path. We don't talk

about " dieting " and such here, we talk about " nutrition "

and " eating. " Focus on being the role model your kids deserve and

they will learn your good habits. Don't complain while you're doing

this lifechange, let them see how much you enjoy eating well and

exercising!

Jami

>

> It has been interesting to read how a lot of us are over 30+, 40+,

> etc. and are trying to get into the best shape of our lives or are

> already there. I am included in this scenerio. I wasn't really

into

> fitness, etc. as a teen or young woman. I developed early so I

didn't

> really feel comfortable with my body. I didn't want to play

sports.

> I was not thin but I wasn't fat either so I didn't really do

anything

> fitness wise. I wish that I had now. I wish that it had been a

> natural thing to me. Now that I have 2 little girls I am

interested

> in other opinions on how to give them that desire/love of exercise

and

> fitness so that they don't get into the shape that I did.

[Guest guest]

Annlouise, I also want to make sure that fitness, healthy food as

a 'lifestyle' are taught to my two children, girl 5, boy 3. We let

them have treats, but emphasize how important it is to eat healthy

food so their bodies will grow strong. We also don't own a car, so

my kids walk or take transit everywhere. I've enrolled them in

extra curricular things that are of interest to them too. They just

finished swimming lessons and gymanstics. They will be in

gymnastics again until the end of June, and they both wanted to try

soccer this year, so now they are going to play weekly until the

fall. We don't pressure them to do things that are really

competitive, more to have fun and MOVE.

Here's a funny story. Last night we all went to dinner with my dd's

music teacher, afterwards we took the kids to get some ice cream.

My 3 yrold son was complaining his leg hurt, and we couldnt figure

out why exactly. Later that night, my dh and I were talking about

it. He realized that my ds had walked to and from the school twice

that day (just under 1 mile each way), to my dd's music class, to

the restaurant, to the ice cream parlour and then back home. We

figured he walked 5 MILES yesterday. No wonder his leg was aching a

bit!! lol It also explains why he is such a skinny minny, too. ;-)

>>> Now that I have 2 little girls I am interested

> in other opinions on how to give them that desire/love of exercise

and

> fitness so that they don't get into the shape that I did. What do

you

> all think? I guess the biggest one is letting them see me working

out

> and eating correctly.

[Guest guest]

Annlouise, I also want to make sure that fitness, healthy food as

a 'lifestyle' are taught to my two children, girl 5, boy 3. We let

them have treats, but emphasize how important it is to eat healthy

food so their bodies will grow strong. We also don't own a car, so

my kids walk or take transit everywhere. I've enrolled them in

extra curricular things that are of interest to them too. They just

finished swimming lessons and gymanstics. They will be in

gymnastics again until the end of June, and they both wanted to try

soccer this year, so now they are going to play weekly until the

fall. We don't pressure them to do things that are really

competitive, more to have fun and MOVE.

Here's a funny story. Last night we all went to dinner with my dd's

music teacher, afterwards we took the kids to get some ice cream.

My 3 yrold son was complaining his leg hurt, and we couldnt figure

out why exactly. Later that night, my dh and I were talking about

it. He realized that my ds had walked to and from the school twice

that day (just under 1 mile each way), to my dd's music class, to

the restaurant, to the ice cream parlour and then back home. We

figured he walked 5 MILES yesterday. No wonder his leg was aching a

bit!! lol It also explains why he is such a skinny minny, too. ;-)

>>> Now that I have 2 little girls I am interested

> in other opinions on how to give them that desire/love of exercise

and

> fitness so that they don't get into the shape that I did. What do

you

> all think? I guess the biggest one is letting them see me working

out

> and eating correctly.