Parents’ guide to family fitness
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida — Family fitness dates are replacing pizza and movie nights as more parents are realizing that the benefits of moving aren’t just about burning calories but setting an example for the next generation. We talked to three fitness experts to get a feel for what family fitness looks like in their homes.
Brooke Burke-Charvet
This mother of four and former Dancing with the Stars co-host is all about sweating with her family.
“Leading by example has been the most valuable lesson for family fitness,” said Burke-Charvet, whose kids range from nine to 17.
This family does a lot of moving together — they love hitting the track at nearby Pepperdine University. But it’s tough getting her teens to take the Booty Burn class she teaches because they think it’s too intense.
“Family fitness is a big event in our household. We often take our children to the gym with us and work with the trainer who knows how to safely train children,” Burke said. Try it at home • Sign up for a family plan at the gym. • Schedule a date with your teen to take a spinning, yoga or kickboxing class. • Go to a local track and practice sprint intervals.
Hilaria Baldwin
With three kids under four, a book The Living Clearly Method and a busy social calendar that often includes red carpet appearances with husband Alec Baldwin, it’s rare that Hilaria Baldwin gets time to herself, let alone to hit the gym. She’s all about sneaking in a class or going for a long, solo run when she can, but most days she’s the queen of fitting in quickie workouts around the house while she’s playing with the kids.
“I do these things called down moment workouts. I try to be as active with my kids as possible. Not only just for myself, but to teach them,” Baldwin said.
She’s also a big fan of fully immersing herself into her children’s play, and encourages moms to play hard alongside their kids and get sweaty climbing all over the jungle gym.
She also does her own workouts while they are playing.
“They’ll be in the playroom and that will give me 10 minutes to do core exercises and they think that’s funny because I’m down on the ground and they will jump on top of me … It really can make a difference.” Try it at home • Jump on the trampoline for 10 minutes with the kids • Do acro-yoga; lay on your back and put the kids on your feet or legs. Baldwin’s kids call it flying • Create relay races around the house • Climb the stairs
Erika Book
The name of her fitness apparel brand says it all: Fit Mama. Erika Boom loves early morning workouts and, surprisingly, her sevenyear-old son loves going with her.
“He also likes to cheer me on [in CrossFit], take pics and show me how he does a particular move. When I’m done … he does some rowing, box jumps, pullups and even running.”
Boom and her husband are also serious cyclists. Sometimes their son tags along, or skateboards while she rides. Try it at home • Go for a family bike ride. • Bring your kids along to watch your workout and encourage them to try some moves. • Get up early as a family and sweat.