"Training gives us an outlet for suppressed energies created by stress, and thus tones the spirit just as exercise conditions the body." Arnold Schwarzenegger
There is no doubt about it, our social bonds can make or break us from a very early age. Acknowledging this is especially important when we are trying to make healthy changes in our lives.
I recently started a mom’s workout group that meets once a week at a park. Same day, same time, (almost) no matter the weather. As the kids play, we perform the same 20 minute workout and then spend the rest of the time chatting. This “class” serves a number of purposes that not all the members are even aware of. One of the most impactful forces on building a healthy lifestyle is the support of friends and family.
When trying to form healthy new habits of exercise, those who have the support of family, friends, and community are much more likely to succeed at their goals. There is a strong correlation between childhood activity and adulthood activity. Basically, what you do, your kids will most likely do. And how active a child is when they are young is a precursor to their level of activity when they grow up.
Active video games and interactive TV shows are very popular now as our society attempts to combat the childhood obesity epidemic in the US. But one blaring issue I see, that doesn’t seem to be widely addressed, is the fact that the modern family bonds are weak and distracted and children and adults alike, feel alone and isolated. I believe a great solution to this problem lies in physical activity that involves the whole family.
According to Standford University's Abert Bandurra, "Self-efficacy is a person's beliefs about their capabilities." Those with strong self-efficacy believe they are capable of desired achievements. One of the greatest benefits to whole-family fitness is the incredible effect that family support has on self-esteem and self-efficacy for the individual members. Professor Jeffrey J. Martin from Wayne State University, surmises that young people who develop self-efficacy through their engagement in sports activity are likely to transfer their strong belief in their abilities to their activities of daily living. In other words, those who engage in and enjoy physical sports activities are highly likely to transfer their acquired skills and habits, like stamina, teamwork, personal responsibility, and time-management, to other areas of their lives.
Even more vital is the effect that regular and enjoyable physical activity can have on the mental health of individual family members. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that serious consideration should be made of physical activity as a treatment to such maladies as anxiety and depression. A connection should also be noted between strong social bonds and mental health. It would be a mistake to ignore the powerful correlation between quality relationships and the health of the mind and therefore the body. The devastating effects of loneliness can bring deterioration of the body and the soul.
"A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
The APA also theorizes that physical activity in a rich social environment greatly increases self-efficacy and revitalization among the participants. Social connections and strong family bonds are very powerful motivators for people of all ages. And the lack of support is equally deflating and discouraging.
There are many ways to get moving with the family from playing tag in the yard, to taking hikes on Saturday mornings. Getting and staying fit with the whole family strengthens the family bonds that our whole society is built upon and increases the mental and physical health of each individual member.
As life gets increasingly busier it is easy to forget that your friends and family are integral to your health and well-being. The most effective communities are those in which the members take personal responsibility in building trust and mutual respect. There is no better way to strengthen social and familial bonds than to engage in regular, enjoyable, physical activity together.
"Remember that bodiliy exercise, when it is well-ordered, as I have said, is also prayer by means of which you can please God, our Lord." St. Ignatius
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