Fitness bridges family gap

Families who work out together is not something new, however, some fitness experts agree that it can be the perfect time to talk about topics that are awkward or sensitive.

Health Educator Marcie Hunter leads an EnhanceFitness class at Hamilton

Marcie Hunter is a Health Educator for Hamilton Community Health Network and EnhanceFitness Instructor in partnership with the National Kidney Foundation. Hunter says the primary goal of EnhanceFitness is to alleviate barriers while exercising, like sitting or standing during exercises, so more people in the general population are able to join the workout depending on their exercise comfort level.

“I often teach one on one patient fitness,” explains Hunter, “and it’s just the time together when a lot of information comes out.”

This same notion of alleviating barriers while participating in family fitness can work, as well, says Hunter.

“Working out together is another way that families can build the oneness and communicate about what is going on in school, or what is occurring at work, or working together through conflicts.”

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) says ages 17 and under need to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. The DHHS recommends adults get at least 150 minutes a week of physical activity. Hunter says one of the best ways to meet your goals is to work on them as a family.

“I had a mother and daughter in class together and the look on the child’s face was priceless. The engagement in the class with her mom was rewarding.”

In this day and age of cell phones and computers, face-to-face communication is beginning to seem like a lost art. Family fitness may bring comradery, harmony, engagement, togetherness and fun into the mix.

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