“I learn my attitudes to health and fitness from looking into my lunch box each day when I am at school, observing my parents making exercise part of their every day, walking the dog to the park with my dad, watching my Mum make time for the gym and helping make healthy delicious snacks after school. Not from books and TV.”

I adapted the above from a quote I saw on the wall at the Brisbane art museum from an artist describing where and how he had developed his artistic love. It is so true that our early experiences really shape our attitudes to the way we react to the world around us and how we make our way through life.

What legacy with regards to health and fitness is the current generation leaving for the generations that follow?

The answer to that question lies in the tsunami of chronic disease we as a society face and something has to change and change soon because our attitude to health and fitness is what our future generation’s attitude towards health and fitness will be. It is within our own homes where we can make a difference, where we can make our nation a healthier nation.

If our attitude towards exercise is all or nothing, rather than making it part of our lifestyle, what will our children’s attitude towards exercise be?

If we change from diet to extreme diet, what will our children’s attitude towards food be?

If we view exercise as punishment for the extremes of life, what will our children’s attitude towards exercise be?

If our regular choices for snacks is grabbing quick sugary food rather than fruit, yogurt and healthy choices, what will our children’s attitude towards eating be?

It’s logical; if we are extreme about exercise and food, what will our children’s attitude towards exercise and food be?

What will your health and fitness legacy be for your children?