Now more than ever we as parents need to take on the responsibility for educating and example setting when it comes to exercise for our kids. Frightening figures show that Australia is in need of immediate intervention into the lifestyle patterns of the young. But the news is good for those who want things to improve, it doesn’t take much to make a start, a determination to change just one thing can be the first step.

• Consider a few simple changes to your daily routine such as walking or cycling to school, if not every day, make certain days “Car Free” and take time to chat along the way. It is amazing what a parent can discover if they simply listen.

• Set up a Walk Club for families at school and count laps around the oval, setting targets with rewards for the number of laps achieved. With the whole community involved, the kilometres will soon add up.

• Get into gardening. Make planting fun for kids; get them to help rake, dig and weed and plan a section of the garden that is theirs alone. Fill this section with healthy vegies or fruit trees and watch the smiles as the plants start to grow.

• Dance the good dance. Show them how you used to boogie and get them to show you the latest steps. Hold a “So You Think You Can Boogie” competition with everyone voting on the “daggiest” dancer.

• “Backyard Boot Camp” can be run by every family member in turn. With obstacle courses set up on the lawn such as hula hoops, balls, small jumps etc, the “Platoon Leader” can bark orders and get the others to change direction, get down for push ups or to speed up whenever they want.

• Include sports equipment on family picnics and challenge uncles and aunts to games of soccer or dodge ball. There are plenty of family–friendly venues in most cities ideally set out for such activities.

Whatever the activity, set up challenges and milestones for each member of the family depending upon ability. Make manageable goals and have plenty of rewards that are “family oriented and health oriented” such as a bike ride and picnic or a day at the beach.

Remember, patterns set in childhood form patterns for life and exercise should be fun and interesting. Nothing gets the family laughing like a family workout and nothing reminds adults that they were once kids more than dancing to a disco beat.

By Joanna Robertson