I realized this weekend that the saying "home is where the heart is" holds true for me.  These past few days also confirmed for me that a healthy heart is more than just a physically fit heart.  It is one that is filled with content, validation, appreciation, and love.  

     What prompted these insights?  We are visiting my parents who are "snow-birding" in St. Augustine, Florida.  I have never been to the condominium unit that they are renting; nor have I ever been to St. Augustine.  Yet, I feel like I have come home.  My parents' bikes are parked in the entrance way.  I am reminded of the family bike rides we took when I was a child.

     Much of our family time growing up was oriented around some type of physical activity.  Whether it was a family hike, a cross-country skiing trip or a day of swimming we did it as a family.  Strong family bonds and great memories were created from these adventures that have carried over into my adulthood.

     I am a strong believer that the steps toward a healthy heart start with family-oriented fitness.  I attribute my own journey toward better health and fitness to the healthy habits my parents instilled in me as a child.  I hope to pass this example on to my children.

     An important component to make family fitness successful is to create an exercise experience that provides physical activity without you or your child thinking about it as getting exercise.  In our celebration of "World Day for Physical Activity" today we did just that.  After the adults engaged in their own exercise sessions this morning, we took the kids for a walk along the beach.  As we walked, the kids were focused on collecting shells and running into the waves.  Exercise was the last thing on their minds, yet they were getting it.  Their memory of this event will be "Do you remember when we visited Grandma and Grandpa and collected shells on the beach?" - not the 45 minute walk on which their search took them.

     I admire my parents for the lessons that they have taught me during our family fitness time.  I am in awe that their own personal journeys toward better fitness have led them to good health and the ability to take walks, play, and go for a swim with their grandchildren.  My hope, as my children embark on their own journeys toward better fitness and health, is for them to develop a sense that no matter the location of the heart they are always at home, especially with a healthy heart.  

     Are you ready to celebrate "World Day for Physical Activity" on Monday April 6th? (See my posting from Wednesday, April 1 for an explanation of this event.)  Here is a look at who is around the world.  According to Victor Matsudo from the Agita Mundo Network, the organization promoting this campaign, Venezuela and Guatemala will be launching national programs to promote physical activity that day.  He states that in Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil "the municipality will be promoting a 24 hour walk contest".  The day before, on April, 5th it is anticipated that over 20,000 people will participate in Sao Paulo's traditional "Agita Mundo Walking Parade" according to Matsudo.

     In Anoka, Minnesota they will be celebrating with their fourth-annual Challenge Obesity 5K Run/Walk on April 4th.  In Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh's Chatham University will host a one-mile fitness walk on April 7th.  In Milton Massachusetts, they will be using "World Day for Physical Activity" as a kick off event for an 8 week walking program.  Free basic health assessments, "passports to physical activity", and unique fitness classes will be offered in Indianapolis, Indiana at The National Institute of Fitness and Sport. 

     What will you do to become a "physically active citizen"?  Post a comment below to let me know.  Be sure to check back and I will let you know how my family celebrated "World Day for Physical Activity".

     

     Join the rest of the world and become a "physically active citizen" Monday, April 6 in honor of "World Day for Physical Activity".  This campaign to promote physical activity is facilitated by the Agita Mundo Network, a division under the Brazil-based organization, Centro de Estudos do Laboratorio de Aptidao Fisica de Sao Caetano do Sul (CELAFISCS).  According to the Agita Mundo Network's website, www.agitamundo.org, more than 6,000 events celebrating "World Day for Physical Activity" occurred around the world last year.  

     In February of this year, the American College of Sports Medicine (www.acsm.org) announced its partnership with CELAFISCS to advance international health and fitness.  This press release stated that in past events there were more than one million participants honoring the campaign.

     The theme this year focuses on "active neighborhoods building health".  According to both organizations, a "physically active citizen" is an individual who commits to adopting physical activity into their lifestyle that is both economically and ecologically responsible.  The organizations suggest using walking as the primary mode of transportation as often as possible.

     How can you celebrate "World Day for Physical Activity"on Monday, April 6th?  Designate the day as a "car free" day and walk or ride your bike to your destinations.  Or, organize a lunchtime walk with co-workers, neighbors, friends and/or family members.  Be creative.  Your celebration can even be on a small scale as long as it incorporates additional physical activity into your daily life.

Note:  Before beginning an exercise program or increasing the intensity level of a current routine, a physician's approval should be obtained, especially for older adults and those at risk for or who currently have chronic health conditions.