Now this is going to be an unpopular opinion…
Parents need to start being better role models for their children when it comes to what they eat, how they exercise AND the lifestyle choices they make.
As we look at the absolute shit storm that our current societal health is in, we need a solution, and we need to take action NOW.
**For the record, I’m not referring to COVID here, referring to the massive spike in obesity and other preventable lifestyle diseases that’s been climbing for over a decade and has just been exacerbated with COVID.
But as much as I’d love to think that a majority of adults could turn around their health by eating a more quality and quantity controlled diet, exercise multiple times a week with a priority of resistance training, be more active daily with progressive lifestyle movement of walking and standing, and avoiding prescription and recreational drug dependencies to combat stress and attempt to sleep (note – it doesn’t work that way), I’m not too hopeful.
Yes, we all know that we can make massive impacts in the lives of our clients, and turn around someone’s entire lifestyle by working hand in hand with them to create solid habits that fuel those lifestyles. BUT…
Sadly, our clients (and even our potential clients who are on the brink of taking action) only make up a small minority of our American population. The rest? Not even remotely interested in making a change, taking action OR becoming healthier. This sounds harsh, but it’s true. And I know you all know this.
So what then? Just fucking give up and double down on the KFC and Jack and Coke’s? Not quite. As coaches and professionals, we’re not quitters, we’re problem solvers. Here’s our best shot…
I know many successful adults who truly don’t give a fuck about their own health. They treat themselves like shit. They eat shit. They don’t exercise. They drink, smoke and take pharm cocktails to sleep. They’ve all but given up on themselves and their health. BUT, they do care about their kids.
Every parent has hopes and dreams for their children to be healthy, happy and highly functioning in society. And to ultimately achieve these 3 parental goals, health must be a part of a child’s life.
Kids are the avenue to influencing adults action potential.
Because if they aren’t going to do it for themselves, they are more likely to do it for their kids. To be healthy for their kids. To be around for their kids. To be present with their kids and create memories and moments with their kids.
And the greatest thing about a deep WHY like being a parent is that the kids will grow up with a deeper influence of health and wellness in their lives via the role modeling of the parents.
It’s a circular flow, positive breeds positive.
But right now, negative is breeding negative in many communities and households across our country and the world. In my professional opinion, this is a massive opportunity for the fitness industry to make an impact with.
FAMILY health needs to be family driven.
And the drivers are the parents. The beneficiaries are the parents and the kids. And ultimately, society as a whole.
The kids are the future, but in order to pave a path to future success with health and wellness, we need the driver to be the parents, even if minor positive steps are taken in the right direction.
We have many parents here in the PPSC Coaches family. And as I well know, parenting can be one of the single hardest jobs in the world, but also the most rewarding.
I’d love to open up a dialogue and ask what tools and tricks you all are using with your own families to promote healthy eating, exercise and lifestyle for your children.
AND, for our coaches, what are you doing to help facilitate change for your client’s families so they can be their best for the people who matter the most?
Tough topic, but lets tackle this team!
