Family Fitness:

Tone up, trim down, have fun

It's hard to find the time, energy, and inclination to exercise, especially with cold weather zapping what's left of your motivation. And your kids? Forget about it-iCarly's on. But if the entire tribe makes a pact to get fit together, exercise is a blast. Here are three ways to make family fitness fun, rain or shine.

Power play
Parents face serious competition for their kids' attention-video games, TV, and holiday snacks to name a few-but they are no match for Mom and Dad. Family play dates are a great way to tap into your kids' innate desire to spend time with you. Make "play" special for them and less stressful for you by handing over the reins. Autonomy fills kids with a healthy sense of power and placement in the family, gives them license to exercise their imagination muscle, and kick-starts their motivation.

Capitalize by telling the kids that you've blocked out one hour on a particular day for an activity that they will plan; circle this in bold red on the family calendar so that excitement builds. Offer clearly defined parameters addressing time, budget, and/or physical limitations, suggest a cold weather alternative (just in case), or perhaps a "parents against the kids" friendly competition, and then stay out of it. Not only are kids incredibly resourceful, they are most enthusiastic when they have a say, so resist the urge to interfere, and be ready for anything, so long as it's both active and safe-two factors that should be absolutely clear in your guidelines.

Strength in numbers
Tired of the drop-off and pick-up shuffle? Don't sit on the sidelines, parents-get in the game. Activity loves company and group exercise is the surest way to get, and keep, your kids moving. Try martial arts, which is demanding but doable for all ages, while teaching valuable lessons about the virtues of self-discipline, perseverance, and respect. Plus, it levels the playing field between all parties, which kids love (all participants from age 5 to 95 are referred to as "Mr." or "Ms."). Moreover, families can enjoy martial arts year-round while working toward a common goal-black belts for everyone.

Break a sweat for charity
Attach a larger purpose to exercise. Doing so will give your kids a sense of pride that will encourage them to engage in community building through getting moving-and for the long haul. Present to your family a list of upcoming causes and charity events like fun runs and Relay for Life, and ask your kids for their input. Make the final decision as a family and participate in the selected event as a team.

Or, help raise funds right in your own' hood. Organize a "rainy day car wash" for the homes in your neighborhood, or retrofit last summer's lemonade stand to serve warm apple cider, and donate all the proceeds to your family's chosen charity. Physically beneficial activity doesn't always mean pounding the pavement. The key is to do a little something together each day.