by Amy Welch, Owner of Palmetto Fit Club

The slightest bit of heat and sunshine is all the motivation many women need to up their fitness routines so they can get fit by swimsuit season. 

Unfortunately, men don't read these cues the same way as we do. So…what can we do to put a little fire underneath our men? Don’t we want them to be as fit as they can be? And “wow” us the way they did way back when?

Getting Dad fit can be lots of fun! We often forget that exercise comes in many forms. It doesn’t mean that you have to stay in the gym for countless hours, neglecting your family after a hard day at work. Instead, make it a fun family afternoon with some outdoor sports or encourage Dad to join an organized athletic team. You can burn calories many more ways than just jumping on the local gym’s treadmill. The ideas are endless!

Picture it…Dad comes home from work. He’s exhausted and seems a bit stressed. The kids are running around the house

3 Tips to Get Dad Fit: 1. Park further away from the grocery store so that you walk a greater distance both coming and going. 2. Walk the stairs rather than taking the elevator, when given an option. 3. Walk your child into school instead of dropping him/her off at the front door.

needing to get out some energy. Does this sound familiar? This is the perfect opportunity to get your clan and head outdoors! Go for a family bike ride around the neighborhood, play a game of basketball or baseball in the back yard, throw some Frisbee and get those hearts pumping...or for some fun cardio with the very little ones, play tag! That’ll get everyone moving!

If the above scenario seems too picturesque, take the lead and make some family goals to include fitness and nutrition. Take turns putting the kids down for bed, and alternate taking a neighborhood run/walk. You can extend this goal to include running a 5K together. Having an end goal will keep your husband motivated. And if there’s a prize at the end…even better! So how about tacking the 5K onto a trip away for the two of you? Now that should provide some motivation! And don’t forget that nutrition is a key factor in getting Dad (and the entire family) more fit. Plan out your meals in advance and you’ll more than likely have a better quality meal. And as you may have heard before, when grocery shopping, try to do most of your shopping on the outside of the store. The exterior rows offer fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy.

Encourage Dad to join a local athletic team. Dad will get more than just team camaraderie to relieve his stress. He’ll get some great exercise running the bases or the court and won’t even realize he’s burning those unwanted calories.

So, ladies…it’s not that hard! Let’s ban together and get those Dads fit and ready for summer!!

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