April 6, 2025 “What Examples are you Setting?”
Role models play a vital role in shaping the lives of others. Through their behaviors, achievements, and values, they serve as examples to be admired and emulated, particularly by younger people. They can often be the key to someone’s success in life. When asked me over the years about my fitness hero, my answer has always been my “No Mess Granny.” She passed away at 98 still in her right mind, dancing and telling jokes. She would do flips until 95, she rode horses well into her 80’s, she rode her stationary bikes and was always active throwing footballs with her great & great grandkids. Her life revolved around gardening and preparing home cooked meals, which supported her health and longevity. Her ability to live healthily and energetically was an inspiration to me and modeled a lifestyle of success.
Recently, I spoke to a client about her meal plan, and she stated it’s hard for me to eat right. I have boys and they love to eat out so it’s just easy for me to grab and go. I explained to her that they love fast food because that’s what she as a parent has taught them. Kids don’t have money for daily meals, fast food meals. They are following what they see. This client has some health issues, is overweight and complains about being tired and exhausted all the time. I know that she loves her kids and is doing the best she knows how to do, so I’m glad of that. However, to set an example of health, she needs to focus on her own well-being first. By incorporating healthy home cooked meals, she can positively influence her children’s habits, creating a healthier lifestyle for the entire family.
On the other hand, I also have parents like Martina, who have already come to Tadda’s. However, her daughter’s basketball coach stated that although Mani is an amazing athlete who led her team to a few championships, if she wanted to be competitive in high school with other stellar athletes, she would need to lose around 15 pounds and get stronger. Mani joined this bootcamp and has been killing it. I train her with the Red Team, she shows happy, excited, well rested at 5AM with her meal plan booklet. At midpoint she lost almost 8 pounds in just 3 weeks.
Martina was surprised to see her daughter waking her up fully dressed ready for bootcamp. She did not have to beg and plead for her to get out of bed. Martina was surprised how easily Mani gave up junk and fast food. She stated Mani was the one holding her mom accountable. And when visiting her dad’s, Mani took the initiative to send him a healthy grocery list.
Parents play a significant role in shaping their children's attitudes and behaviors towards health and fitness. By leading through example, parents can instill healthy habits and values in their children, which can benefit them throughout their lives. Here are some ways parents can lead by example:
Physical Activity
1. Engage in regular exercise: Show your children that physical activity is a priority by exercising regularly, whether it's going for a run, practicing yoga, or playing sports.
2. Involve your children: Engage in physical activities with your children, such as playing catch, riding bikes, or swimming. This can help create a lifelong love for physical activity.
Healthy Eating
1. Model healthy eating habits: Show your children that healthy eating is important by preparing and consuming nutritious meals and snacks.
2. Involve your children in meal planning: Encourage your children to participate in meal planning and preparation. This can help them develop healthy eating habits and an appreciation for nutritious food.
Mindfulness and Self-Care
1. Practice stress-reducing techniques: Show your children that taking care of one's mental health is important by practicing stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing.
2. Prioritize sleep and rest: Model healthy sleep habits and prioritize rest when needed. This can help your children understand the importance of getting enough sleep for physical and mental health.
Positive Body Image
1. Promote positive body image: Show your children that all body types are beautiful and worthy of respect. Avoid criticizing or making negative comments about your own body or others. Hence why I love “Two-Piece Tuesdays”
2. Focus on health, not appearance: Emphasize the importance of healthy habits for overall well-being, rather than focusing on appearance or weight.
Parents are the original influencers. By embracing this role, they can guide their children toward healthy eating habits, a strong sense of self-worth, a positive body image, and a lifelong appreciation for physical activity and nutritious eating. All it takes is a little role modeling. No Mess
