The weather was so great this past weekend. There was no one I was going to stay in, nor let my kiddos do the same. So, instead of sleeping in, and allowing my kids watch cartoons and play video games all day Saturday, as many children in America do these days, I loaded up the backpack, and we headed to the park.

I wanted to make sure let them wear themselves out, so I loaded my backpack with a couple of jump ropes, a football, frisbee, and plenty of water. Suffice it to say, we spent hours playing double dutch, seeing who could jump rope the longest, ran football patterns, counting who could go back and forth on the monkey bars the most (my little princess totally made her brother and me look like wimps on this one), played a round of frisbee, tried several attempts to walk up a tree like a cat (don’t ask), did various pull up contests, not to mention pretending to be world class gymnists on the dip bars, and I even showed them some martial arts moves.

Yes, the 3 of us had a blast. Yet, at the same time, we all had a great full body workout. We literally strength trained every body part, suing only our bodies, worked in some great cardio, and adhered to my favorite way to train, by performing all of these activites in “interval” fashion.

However, the most important thing to observe here is “we had fun!” By being active with my children, not only did we bond as a family, (and they realize Dad is not as much of a dork as they thought….well, the jury’s still out on that one) but my kiddos see the fun in being active and exercising. Days like the one I am describing here will stick with them for the rest of their lives, and will help them to continue to be active, well into their adult years.

The common factor I find with most of my clients, who are trying to change years of being overweight or obese, is that most were not active as children. Many of them told me they were those kids who sat in the bleachers and did homework during P.E. class. I also find that most of these clients had parents who did not make exercise and eating healthy a part of their lifestyle as well. It’s safe to say, our children are greatly influenced by the behavior they observe from their parents.

However, as adults, we have the freedom to be ourselves. We can change any bad habits formed from our earlier years. It’s never too late. One thing I would often hear my parents say, while I was growing up was, “I don’t want you growing up like I did. I want you to be better.” You know, I partially agree. I tell my kiddos, “I want you to learn from me. You can be like me or not, but whatever you choose to do, do it “your” way, and always have fun doing it!”

The 3 of us definiely had fun, running and playing outside, and just being…well…kids. Now ask yourself, are you still having fun? If not, find out what activites are fun to “you” and incorporate them into your fitness routine. It can be anything, such as bowling, walking, hiking, jumping rope, playing flag football, freeze tag, basketball, dancing, etc. Heck, I even hoola hoop with my little girl just about everyday after school.

Oh, don’t laugh. I can hoola hoop with the best of them, and talk about a cardio and ab workout. However, most of all, we are having fun. Take a few minutes to close your eyes, think back to a time in your youth when you did something active and fun. Remember how that activity made you feel. You’re never too old to feel that feeling again. Of course, some of us cannot go full speed doing these activities like we did as 7 year olds, but we can still do it.

And if you were one of the ones who sat in the stands during P.E., and do not have any of these memories of activities during your youth, no worries. You can start creating those memories now. Don’t know where to start? - again, no worries. Go out to your backyard, your local park, play on the playground, check with your local parks & recreation department, your church, or even join a local intramural league. They have a variety of activies for their members, plus it’s a great way to network and meet new people who share your same outlook and goals.

That’s the key to successfully living an active lifestyle, by surrounding yourself with those who will not bring you down for wanting to be healthy, fit, and wanting to have “fun.” Besides, who said the key to being an adult is to be bored, out of shape, tired, depressed, and simply not having any fun? Whoever it was, definitely is not someone we want to hang around, because life is about being active, alive and having fun. How will you go about having fun again? Do whatever floats your boat.

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Please pass this info you read here to someone you know neds a little fun and activity in their lives. They will be glad you did. As always, remember to read it, learn it, and live it.