September is a busy month. And I’m not just talking about end of summer and back-to-school. It’s also National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.
Aside from being a mom of two kids who tries to keep her family healthy and happy, food policy is something that I care a lot about. I used to be the Director of a community collaborative in NYC focused on increasing access to healthy and affordable food and opportunities for physical activity and saw the impact of the rising childhood obesity rate in the U.S., which has nearly tripled over the last 30 years, and in New York City where 1 in 5 Kindergarteners is obese.
Let’s make a commitment to get moving with our kids, not only for the month of September but for the long-term. I shared some tips to help you get moving with your kids on Fit Pregnancy and Parenting. I would love for you to come check it out.
September is also National Yoga Month. In celebration, Athleta is hosting an Embrace the Yoga Instagram Challenge to encourage people to embrace new challenges on the mat. The picture above is my entry. It was Sunday morning and we were getting ready to leave Baltimore after spending the weekend there for Fitbloggin’. It seemed like a fitting way to say goodbye to the city after a fun weekend.
Can I ask you a favor?
- If you’re on Instagram, could you please click here –> half moon photo on Instagram and like and/or comment on the picture? I know that a number of you already have but I would appreciate the extra support!
- If you’re not on Instagram, you can like and/or comment on the photo on the Love, Life, Surf Facebook page <– click here or you can leave a comment here on this blog post. I appreciate your help!
How are you going to commit to help kids get moving this month? What’s your favorite yoga pose?
I have no children of my own, but I would imagine that the most important thing to get them active is for them to see their parents’ active lifestyle. When they see that mommy exercises every day, they’ll think that that’s what everyone should do!
Becky @ RunFunDone recently posted..Should I be a Germaphobe?
I definitely think that it helps when kids see their parents leading an active lifestyle. They become more interested in it and are more willing to try different things if they see that their parents love it. You’re right – it becomes the norm!
CLICK!!
Miz recently posted..How atoning is kinda like fitness.
I’m off to find my phone! Love the picture. And what a cool job you used to have!
misszippy recently posted..I love my rest day
Thank you!! Looking back on it, it was a cool job. At the time, it didn’t really feel like it
Scary stats! It really is so sad the state our country is in when it comes to obesity.
Saw the pic the other day. Gorgeous!!! I’ve got to get my pic in this week.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..The Best Exercises for Triceps
It is scary and sad. It’s such a huge problem and there are so many different factors that influence it. But we have to start somewhere, right? And yes! You need to take your picture. Let me know when you do!
Looks like I’m already two steps a head… liked and commented on instagram last night
Brad Gouthro Fitness recently posted..15 Mins of HIIT SWEAT Workout
We just keep our kids moving so much that they don’t even realize it is exercise. If they are not playing a sport, then we are playing a game in our backyard or at park. We are always doing active things together so that this just becomes a part of their life. We’re hoping they never know any different than this.
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I think that’s a big part of it – making it about living an active lifestyle versus just exercise. I think that this is especially important for the kids – that it’s a lifestyle choice and not just about burning calories. You are doing such an amazing job keeping your whole family active!
I liked the photo! It’s a great one! That is a scary childhood obesity statistic.
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie recently posted..DIY Save the Dates
I love the Eagle and Warrior Pose! I also love Camel. Heck, I like a lot of them!
Great photo Christine! Love it!
Kierston recently posted..It’s My FUreakin’ Birthday!
Oh man, I have a love-hate relationship with camel. I don’t think that I like having my neck/throat so open or something. I find that it causes a lot of anxiety when I’m in that pose!
What a great challenge idea! I love the picture… great backdrop, too. Crossing my fingers for you! We have such similar passions… this weekend got me thinking about how I can combine my interest in health and fitness with my non-profit background and management skills… wheels are turning. It was inspiring!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Fitbloggin Recap part two + Drink Chia sampling
This weekend definitely got me thinking a lot about a lot of different things. I haven’t quite sorted it out yet but it was great to know that there are so many different opportunities out there.
Done and done! I think about this often. I grew up on my grandmother’s “goodie box”. I have no idea how I made it out alive! We try our best to have healthy snacks around the house and encourage the kids to get outside and play. It’s not always possible to make wise choices, but try to keep those wise choices a priority.
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Thanks Michelle! I too have no idea how I survived my childhood. Looking back on it, I ate OK but I ate a lot more sweets and fast food as a kid than I would now. For us, having healthy snacks around the house is key too and doing the best we can to make healthy choices.
Yes of course I will like it!! I wish I knew it was yoga month before the 25th of the month! I’ll have to finish out the month strong. Anything special for October I should know about?
Amanda @ Run Principessa recently posted..Spaghetti Squash Virgin
Great job. Yoga poses in public places are always so cool. I’m gonna have to do this.
Pavement Runner recently posted..Thanks for the Motivation
Yes, I do think that you should enter. Maybe a pose down on the Embarcadero by the big bow and arrow?
My favorite yoga pose is probably side angle or anything with a bind!
Nicole @ Simply Nicole recently posted..5 Ways to Increase Blog Readership
Ohh! I love binds.
My sister recently moved to Brooklyn in Williamsburg? She lived in UES before that. I LOVE NYC!
My favorite yoga pose is downward dog. I don’t know why but it just stretches everything out.
Yes! Williamsburg is a great neighborhood. There’s a lot of fun stuff going on there. You should visit her if you get a chance! I kind of love downward dog too. It definitely stretches everything out and just makes me feel good.
LOVE that photo of you! I am so glad you had a great time at the conference.
It is awesome to see you emerging as a leader in the fitness/blogging community.
Well deserved.
ilene recently posted..Hooky
You are too nice to me, you know that, right? This was another one of those “screw it” moments where I just decided to do the pose in the middle of Inner Harbor. I like how it turned out
Liked!