Presidents Challenge

[specialmom]

So, I thought this was very cool and am excited about it and wanted to share.  For those of you in my age range (the, oh . . . one or two that ever even read this forum LOL)---  you may remember the president's fitness challenge from grade school.  Oh, I hung from that bar for as long as I could, ran my laps and did sit ups until it hurt!!  LOL  Fond memories or our gym class participating in it and getting our certificate.  

Well, there is a presidents challenge again!  Our den leader ------------  yes, we are a Cub Scout family and I have two scouts----  has started a 'group' for all kids in our den and their parents to participate.  We log in activities that might include playing baseball (my boys) or cleaning the house (me) or mowing the grass (husband) and add points.  They have all kinds of ideas for family fitness activites as well.  And you get points for healthy eating.  

I think it is a great idea and had no idea that they were doing this.  

Ha, big news, right?  But these are those feel good things that I do appreciate.  so, I'm off to earn some fitness points!

[specialmom]

Well,  I am exercising but spring sports season has started.  That means frequent trips after games for a 'treat'.  Our local Dairy Whip does not offer a wide variety of healthy choices.  This is not helpful to my plight.  

But I'll keep trying!!

[adgal]

Atta girl!!  Your inspiring me you know.  I think I do a good job of keeping Ryder active, and of course run around or swim with him daily.  But I do think it's time to work on momma..fitness, eating habits, all of it.  So thanks for the inspiration my friend!

[specialmom]

did good with the first day of challenge.  ALL of us!  

[specialmom]

Well, we always recommend praise and rewards to help motivate our kids to having appropriate/good behavior rather than punishment.  Same thoughts with this--------  these are good things to do and to feel like you are praised for it and rewarded in any way makes this a positive experience.  And setting up habits that benefit health is a great thing.  

I also like that it is a group challenge for us-------  that it is set up that you can belong to an organization to do it.  Our whole den is participating and that is a lot of people.  

Anyway, I thought it was pretty cool.  With all the 'bad' stuff going on---  it is nice to see something that is positive that I do think ultimately helps kids (and their parents) get into a more healthy lifestyle.  

Hm.  I do like the idea of being able to write it off though . . .  that sounds better than a certificate (although my kids wouldn't get that as they don't quite understand taxes yet. :>))

[adgal]

I think that sounds like a fabulous idea.  Anything that helps get kids AND their families active and moving is good.  I think it's sad how many kids are turning into little couch potato's hanging out in front of the video games all day.  So good for you Momma for participating and getting moving!

We have a fairly new program here now to encourage the same type of thing.  We now get tax credits for fitness programs.  So everything from swimming lessons to team sports can be used as a tax write off.  Let's keep our kids active!!  

Love the idea of being able to count things like housework and lawn work as points.  All those things to burn those calories and get those muscles working.  Great idea!