How to make keeping fit a family affair

Personal trainers share with LISA SALMON creative ways both kids and parents can be active together

- LISA SALMON

MANY of us resolve to get fit at this time of year, which is easier said than done, particularly if you've got young children. But instead of desperately trying to find someone to look after the kids while you go for a run or to the gym, why not kill two birds with one stone and get the family involved in your fitness drive too?

Not only does that mean you get fit without having to fork out for childcare, you're also setting a great example for your children by show-ing them how important it is to be active, and they're getting fit along-side you, plus hopefully having fun too.

"Families focusing on fitness together is a great way to stay moti-vated," says Jack Claxton, a personal trainer at David Lloyd Clubs.

"It's amazing being able to build a strong relationship with the kids while enjoying a healthy benefit at the same time."

Personal trainer Sarah Campus, founder of LDN Mums Fitness, explains: "Exercise releases feel good hormones dopamine, sero-tonin and endorphins and it doesn't only improve your mood, but will also improve your self-esteem, and decrease feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.

"All these effects don't just benefit you but your family, too. You're the biggest role model to your own chil-dren and it's said that children move better when you move with them."

Sarah, a mum-of-three, says families don't need to do a lot of exercise to feel the benefits, explaining that studies have shown a 15-minute functional workout is enough. So instead of walking with the pram, for example, try running with it instead!

"Rewards can be felt instantly and last far longer than the movement itself," says Sarah. "I encourage the whole family to take part in short and speedy workouts to crank up the heart rate, boost blood flow around the body and get those happy hormones flowing."