I like to move it, move it

Since we selected the topic of this weekend’s show I’ve had the theme song from Madagascar running through my head.  You know then one, “I like to move it move it, I like to move it move it…MOVE IT!”  In brainstorming show topics and looking at our partner’s expertise, we decided to focus on moving it.  What family can’t stand to move a little more, right?

This led me to take a look at my own family and evaluate our physical activity levels.  My husband is a busy guy and works long hours, but he normally fits in 18 holes of golf on Saturday.  I don’t know if I consider moving from the golf cart to the tee being active, but I’ll give him activity points for it.  Then there is Sophia.  Soph loves playing tag on the playground at recess, chasing the dog around the house and even played soccer this spring through our community’s parks and recreation department.  Big activity points for Soph!  Stella gets a pass since she’s only seven months old, but hey, all that rolling and army crawling is preparing her muscles for some serious action soon.  Then there is me.  I’ve been taking a weekly pilates class since January and as of last week my super motivated neighbor has convinced me to jog with her a few mornings a week.  Extra activity points for me for the 5:00am wake up call!!

Looking at my list, it appears that we’re a pretty active family, but actually we’re all active individuals, not active as a family.  Families are like a team.  You need positive people surrounding you for motivation and to encourage one another to make good choices.  I’ve realized that in order for each of us to individually continue on a positive path, we need to move more as a family.

My goal is for my family is to try and be more active this summer TOGETHER.  Some ideas I have are regular nightly walks in the neighborhood (our dog will jump for joy), walking or biking up to Jersey Junction instead of driving and kicking the soccer ball around in the backyard.  Coach Allen is ready to get her team assembled (cue the Madagascar song).

I’d love to know what you and your family are doing to stay active this summer.  Any fun outdoor games or activities you can recommend for a family with two young kids?  I’d love to hear from you.

This weekend on Where You Live, we’re encouraging all families to move more together!  Maranda and her experts will show you fun places to let your kids run, jump and be wild and we'll also talk with Meijer Healthy Living Advisor, Shari Steinbach , to find out what you should be feeding your kids to boost their energy levels.  Watch Friday at 7pm on WXSP, Saturday at 7:30am & 7:30pm on WOTV and Saturday at 6:30pm on WOOD TV.