Heart health: cardio ideas to keep the whole family heart healthy
What to do? The good news is it's a new day! Staying in shape isn't just for the body builder buddy your husband went to high school with. It's not just for your aunt, the runner...

What to do? The good news is it's a new day! Staying in shape isn't just for the body builder buddy your husband went to high school with. It's not just for your aunt, the runner with the cause-of-the-month triathlon to train for. It's for everyone. The whole family. The trick may be in getting everyone involved. Here are some possible solutions.

 

While Grandma Kate probably won't be joining 12-year-old Susie at the BMX races, they can both join the rest of the family on bike trails where the difficulty ranges from beginner to advanced. Hiking is a great all around activity everyone can get involved in, as well. Even in urban areas, there are usually well-marked walking trails for all levels of experience. And, hey, what about Aunt Joan, the triathlon runner? I'll bet she gets her list of causes from the local newspaper and that anybody from Grandma and Grandpa on down to baby Sam can enter most of them on one level or another.

 

Looking for something less structured than an organized run? Try tennis. Neighborhood and community courts abound. Try your local jr. high or high school as well. They're usually available after school and team practice hours unless, of course there's a tournament. How about roller-skating or blading? Indoors or out, it's a fantastic work out and a lot of fun. Golf, though less strenuous, can be fun and for fitness when you walk the 18 holes. Pick-up games of sports like soccer, football and baseball kept American kids in shape for years in small towns everywhere. Why not introduce the tradition to your kids and their friends? Again, local school sports fields might be available for use.

 

Looking for something a little more structured and available when you need it? Try a family fitness gym or local community center. Yoga, pilates and aerobics classes abound both for individuals and families. There are, many times, pools available for swim lessons, water aerobics classes and lap swimming as well. If you're even more pressed for time, pick up a tape or DVD of your favorite fitness guru instructing any or all of the above mentioned forms of exercise.

 

Where to get started? As mentioned, your local newspaper can be a source of everything from the latest 10K run to hiking trails for every level. Your child's school receives information every day for organized sports and family specials from fitness chains and the local Y. Public libraries receive the same, not to mention, have books on every form of exercise imagineable! Sports stores often have bulletin boards full of information.

 

Remember to check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Diet is important as well and your doctor can help you devise a menu that will satisfy your heart and your stomach. Always wear the proper safety equipment for whatever activity you and your family are involved in. Discount and second hand sporting goods stores are only as far away as your yellow pages and stock a good supply of everything you'll need.

 

Most importantly, remember to have fun. Staying heart healthy is your goal and much of that is the knowledge that you're doing something for all of you, together. Ready? Set. GO!