author

The Fit Family

Kristen, founder of ElectriKids, has inspired thousands of kids across the country to find the joy in exercise. She shares her experience and insight as a kids' fitness crusader in this column.

Subscribe to Kristen DeLeo's column using RSS

Fitness & Exercise

Healthy at Home: Reviewing Kids’ Fitness DVDs

Published: Monday, 29 March 2010

Fitness DVDs for kids are another tool parents can use to keep their kids on their feet and off the couch. They’re good to have on hand when inclement weather has your kids bouncing off the walls. They’re also ideal for kids who don’t feel comfortable exercising in classes or playing on teams. That being said, finding the right kids’ fitness DVD can be a challenge.

Fitness & Exercise

Family Fun: Circuit Training #1

Published: Friday, 4 December 2009

Last week I wrote about the concept of circuit training and how simple it is to do at home with your family. (See Family Circuit Training.) From an exercise science point of view, the benefit of circuit training is the ability to get your cardiovascular and strength training done in one shot.

Fitness & Exercise

Exercising with Your Children: Family Circuit Training

Published: Friday, 4 December 2009

Circuit Training is a great way to get the whole family up and moving. If you’re not familiar with the nuts and bolts of circuit training, it’s best described as a series of pre-set exercise stations. The participants rotate around to each station every minute or so. Upbeat music may play in the background. Many of the popular women’s exercise facilities popping up around town are based on the circuit-training concept.

Child Health

Educating Children on Body Awareness

Published: Friday, 4 December 2009

We all know it's important for kids to learn to read words. Did you also know it's beneficial to teach kids to read their own body? Young athletes develop a respect for their body that comes from knowing the magnificent ways their body responds to the demands of exercise. Studies have shown that kids who respect their body are less likely to do things to harm their body, like smoke or use drugs. So it's important that we, as parents and educators, teach kids a few simple principles of exercise response.

Fitness & Exercise

Celebrate the End of Summer

Published: Monday, 31 August 2009

Fall doesn’t start until mid-September, but we all know that the unofficial end to summer is Labor Day. As the long, hot days of summer begin to wind down, there’s an unmistakable change in the air. Anyone who has ever attended school can relate to that sense of impending doom. Your carefree days are numbered. It’s time to get back to the routine of early morning alarm clocks and backpacks filled with homework.

Fitness & Exercise

Surf ’n’ Turf Workouts

Published: Monday, 24 August 2009

As a San Diego native, people I meet from other areas often assume I grew up surfing. Truth is, I’m only slightly more comfortable in the water than a cat getting a bath. But that doesn’t mean I spend my summers in a lounge chair. I’m just as active as my surfing sisters, with my feet planted firmly on the ground. I’ve also found little ways to enjoy the water by looking beyond surfing and swimming. Whether you’re a “landlubber” or a “water baby,” you too can turn your fun in the sun into a workout.

Fitness & Exercise

Family Fitness: 31 Days of Fun with Your Children

Published: Monday, 17 August 2009

The Fit Family proudly presents your daily guide to keeping your family active all month long. The entries listed below require minimal equipment, and can be enjoyed by almost everybody. By being active as a family, you’re developing healthier bodies while forging stronger family bonds.

How to Use This List
You can:

Fitness & Exercise

Travel Made Easier: Exercising on the Road

Published: Monday, 10 August 2009

I was inspired to write this week’s column when I found myself doing abdominal crunches on a hotel room floor. Yes, I exercise while on vacation. Since I like to be active on a daily basis, a vacation should be no different—but it is different. Long hours spent sightseeing, lounging, and sampling the local cuisine inevitably disrupt your routine. Throw in kids and a cramped hotel room and you may need a vacation from your vacation when you get home. It’s a challenge to be motivated to exercise when you’re out of your element.

Fitness & Exercise

Be Your Child’s Personal Trainer: Dance Fitness

Published: Monday, 3 August 2009

Motivating kids to move when they’re not naturally inclined to be active can be a challenge. In a previous column I outlined the pros and cons of hiring a personal trainer to work with your child. If you have a child at home who avoids team sports or other traditional forms of exercise, a personal trainer may be just what you need to inspire your child to be active. But finding a qualified trainer who fits into your budget can be even trickier than getting your kids away from the computer and into their workout clothes.

Child Health

The Latest Research on Kids’ Health and Fitness

Published: Friday, 4 December 2009

Periodically, in The Fit Family, I will highlight the latest research that may be relevant to the health and well being of your family. Use the information in this installment to better parent your kids or to be an advocate in their school. Pass it on to other families who may be struggling with obesity. Remember, knowledge is power!

Get Your Zzzzz’s, Kids!