20 May 2025

If I had a magic wand, I would make my kids and husband want to exercise as much as my border collie and I do! But this is real life, and we know that each individual has their own motivations and desires.

When the kids were little, we joined an amazing family gym so our girls could swim or play badminton while the parents lifted weights. During the covid-19 pandemic, my husband and I would do workout videos together on weekends. But once we were no longer trapped inside together, and life got busy again, our fitness routines fell by the wayside.

I wish I could tell you that my kids and husband want to exercise with me, but that is rarely the truth. The dog on the other hand, is always game. All I can do is set an example that they can choose to follow, or not. On occasional weekends, and on vacations, I schedule a hike with a big payoff: a great view or a waterfall. The hubs and my teen complain at first, but are happy halfway through when their hearts are pumping and the oxygen is flowing. 

I continue to go to the gym, stay active and hope that my improved mood and ability to climb stairs quickly will encourage them to be active too. It's a lifelong choice, and I am glad that my family members aren't sedentary. And whenever they choose to join me in being active, I'm thankful we can sweat it out together.