Raising kids to love movement

Kids or no kids, we all influence the people around us.

I'm a big believer that actions are caught, not taught. The best way I know how to instill a love for movement in my son Hudson is to model it myself. If I didn’t commit to prioritizing movement in my own life, I wouldn’t expect my child to understand its value either.

The beautiful thing is—it’s never too late. No matter your age or stage of life, you can start (or restart) a journey of movement.

Here are 5 simple ways to add movement into your life:

1. Walking Taking a daily walk is one of the easiest and most accessible forms of movement. Just 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 19%. It boosts your mood, supports cardiovascular health, and clears your mind—something I lean on often.

2. Strength training Lifting weights or using bodyweight exercises helps build and maintain muscle mass, which is key to living a long, healthy life. Muscle mass naturally declines with age, but resistance training can slow that process and reduce the risk of falls by nearly 30%. I love showing my son that I lift—whether at home or at the gym—because I want him to see strength as a priority, not an option.

3. Swimming Swimming is an incredible full-body workout that’s easy on the joints. I've taken Hudson to the pool several times, and not only is it fun, it’s a great way to show him that movement can come in many forms—whether it’s a structured swim or just playing in the water.

4. Hiking We love getting out into nature. While Hudson isn’t quite ready to hike on his own yet, I still take him along to experience the outdoors. It’s a chance to move, explore, and show him how beautiful the world is.

5. Sports Sports are a great way to stay active while learning teamwork and coordination. Whether it’s tossing a ball in the backyard or watching a game together, it’s a fun way to bond and show kids the many ways to stay active throughout life.

No matter what form of movement speaks to you—just do something you enjoy. And more importantly, let your kids, your friends, and your loved ones see that it matters to you. That’s how it sticks.

Want to chat with our team about how we can help you prioritize movement in your own life, and start a ripple effect to those around you? Set up a free fitness consultation to get started with Rise today.