Getting and Staying Motivated

You know it's important for everyone in your family to get plenty of physical activity. But the lure of the couch can be strong. Sometimes, to make fitness fun for everyone, you need to kick it up a notch. Try one of these motivators.

Find basic steps for improving family fitness and health. Whatever your motivation to help your family fit in more fitness, be it a New Year's Resolution, an obesity diagnosis, or a wish to play a new sport, we have suggestions to help you get inspired and get started.

To motivate your family to adopt a healthier lifestyle, create a fitness challenge to do together. Find step-by-step instructions for setting up your challenge and achieving your goal.

How do active families make time for exercise, and enjoy it? Find out the 10 secrets that keep these families healthy and strong.

Start by compiling a list of possibilities, then use these questions to zero in on the gym that's right for you and your family.

It's not always a simple answer. Here's my take on what should be considered a sport, and why.

Are you a member of a gym, fitness center, or health club? How did you make the decision to join a gym, and how did you choose the gym that you joined? Tell us what you looked for in a gym or fitness center. What should parents consider when they join a gym?

Group exercise classes help encourage kids to be more active and learn new skills. Find out more about options for kids, tweens, and teens, and who's old enough for what kinds of classes.

Has your family made a successful lifestyle change? Have you changed your diet or the way you exercise? Did a health scare prompt your lifestyle change, or was there some other trigger? Your success story could inspire other families to make changes to improve their health. Tell us how you did it!See submissions

Charity fundraising events are often family activities that encourage physical fitness as well as support for a good cause. Here's how to choose an event that's fun and meaningful for kids, and how to prepare to join in.

There's always a time and a place for expert advice from doctors, coaches, and teachers. But sometimes another parent can offer the best insight. Follow these links to give, and get, good answers.

Suggested New Year's resolutions about fitness and health for kids, teens, adults, and families. Find simple, manageable suggestions for improving your health and increasing your activity level.

What is your New Year's resolution this year? Do you have a plan for what to do and how you'll do it? Share it with other readers.

Weight Watchers Eat! Move! Play!: A Parent's Guide to Raising Healthy, Happy Kids, written by Stacey Colino and published by John Wiley & Sons, contains helpful, common-sense advice on nutrition, physical activity, and play, as well as parenting styles and techniques.

As part of her ambitious campaign to eliminate childhood obesity in one generation, First Lady Michelle Obama speaks frequently about the issues surrounding kids' health, nutrition, and fitness. These Michelle Obama quotes represent a sample of some her comments on these topics.

The U.S. National Physical Activity Plan was released on May 3, 2010, by a panel of experts representing several major health organizations and universities. Its vision: "One day, all Americans will be physically active and they will live, work, and play in environments that facilitate regular physical activity." Learn more about the components of the National Physical Activity Plan.

Is your family ready for a lifestyle change? Find out how to encourage physical activity and active play, and have fun together as a family. Improve health, fitness, and family relationships with physical activities and sports for kids and parents.