Posted on: November 3, 2008

Family Matters

Exercising with relatives keeps motivation, determination high

By Jeff Schnaufer
CTW Features

For 47-year-old Becky Frusher and her 70-year-old mother Sherry Wingard, fitness is a family affair.

Not only do the two work for Curves - Frusher as director of corporate communications for Curves International and her mother as a fitness trainer at the Curves in Hewitt, Texas - the two pair up three times a week to exercise.

"I love to see my mom staying young at 70 - not just by working out but by interacting with women of all ages," Frusher says. "And it's always easier to work out with a buddy, whether it's a family member or friend."

When it comes to exercise, support from a family member may have an unexpected benefit for women - better mental health.

New research in Australia revealed that women were more likely to be depressed if they were discouraged from exercising. Women who worked out with a family member were more cheerful.

Conducted by researchers at Deakin University in Victoria, Australia, the study of 1,501 women ages 18 to 65 found that the more frequently they were discouraged from exercising, the greater their depression risk. The study's authors reinforced the idea that "improvements in mental health following exercise are at least partly related to the mutual support and social relationships that are provided when participating in physical activity."

Furthermore, the Australian study suggested that "it may be that the support for being physically active from family is more important for mental health among women than support from other sources."

"I know from experience that when I miss my workouts - especially over time - I get cranky and depressed, so I'm not surprised at all about these study results," Frusher says.

The impact of encouragement from other family members, Frusher adds, can be felt across the generations.

"My dad is amazed and pleased with how much my mom likes to be at the club," Frusher says. "My husband can tell--by my mood--if I've skipped a few workouts. He heartily encourages me not to miss one!"

Support from social and family networks is "critical", says Dr. Meg Jordan, editor-in-chief of American Fitness Magazine, published by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America in Sherman Oaks, Calif.

"Women tend to skew more towards that social group," says Jordan, who has conducted exercise studies of her own. "You'll see more women saying, 'I'll take the step class if you do.' Women tend to say, 'I'll knock on your door at 10 a.m. and we'll go walking.'"

In the home, Jordan offered these tips to support female family members who want to get fit:

1) Avoid "Unconscious Derailment"

"If someone is lacing up her shoes to take a walk, don't derail it," Jordan says.

"Derailing can be making multiple requests to have something done for them while mom (or your spouse) wants to exercise. Sometimes it's jealousy and resentment, sometimes it's fear they are not going to get the attention from her."

2) Provide A Kind Word

"Just give emotional support and compliments," Jordan says.

Say, 'Hey, you're looking better.' Any small compliment will fuel someone's resolve."

3) Get Moving

Say "I'll Join You" the next time she heads out to exercise. Or adopt your own exercise routine that suits your interests.

4) Think Family-Size Fitness

"Make it an exercising household," Jordan says. "Make it the norm instead of the novelty."

This can mean taking a splash in the pool, putting up a badminton net, taking a ride on a bicycle trail or venturing out for a hike.

5) Prioritize Exercise

"When someone is truly committed to exercise," Jordan says. "They put it in their PDA."