How to Make Exercise a Standard for Families

Katy Heslop, M.S.

As a result of the pandemic, family health and wellness programs have not only become more critical than ever, they are also in very high demand. As a recreation professional with a background in health promotion, parks and recreation departments are best aligned to respond to this rising demand and to provide these important services to the communities they serve.

Over the past three years, the parks and recreation department in Upper St. Clair developed a variety of programs that help both parents and children come together to participate in fitness related activities. To name a few, Strong MAMAs and BABEs is a class that allows parents to bring their little ones to their exercise class. This program was designed to provide not only an exercise experience, but also a space where the “mamas” can have their children watch them as they participate in their fitness journeys while creating a learning environment for their children to teach the importance of exercise at a young age. We also created programs called Mommy & Me Yoga and Dad & Me Boot Camp where parents are able to bring their children and participate with them during a yoga and boot camp style exercise class. Both of these classes are designed for all ages so it can focus on the family unit as opposed to just the individual.

Educating youth on the importance of exercise and healthy lifestyle habits is a standard that all families should strive for. A child who sees daily exercise and healthy habits in their parents’ daily routine is more likely to participate in those behaviors as adults. As a recreation department, it has become our mission to provide additional opportunities where families can utilize the parks and facilities to achieve their wellness goals together. Exercising does not need to be extreme. It does not need to be in a gym, in a training facility, or a field. Exercise can be in your living room, your backyard, or even in the grocery store. Really! The goal of exercise is to create a way in which you are exercising not only your body, but also your mind and all by making it fun for the entire family. Examples of this can be going on a walk with your family post-dinner time, creating a backyard game of baseball or an obstacle course, or even making a scavenger hunt at the grocery store to see who can find the items on the list first.

As a parks and recreation professional, I would be remiss not to invite you and your family to one of your local parks. Parks are a terrific place to exercise; whether you decide to hike as a family, play tag on the playground, or participate in a group exercise class, something is out there for everyone!

Katy Heslop, Fitness Supervisor, Township of Upper St. Clair, can be reached at (412) 221-1099 ext. 6190 or heslop@twpusc.org. More information.