Fit Family

~Exercise together, stay healthy together

Michele Griffin runs on a treadmill at Healthpoint Plaza as a part of her training routine.

The family that works out together, stays healthy together.

That's why every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday you'll find the Griffin family hard at work at a local gym.

They've been exercising at HealthPoint Plaza in Cape Girardeau since the facility opened. In fact, their I.D. badges are No. 1 and 2.

Michele and Mike have two children: Kieran, 10 and Chloe, 6. The children take karate classes at HealthPoint three, sometimes four, times a week, while mom and dad exercise on their own. Michele participates in a group training program twice a week and usually works out two other times with her family. Mike doesn't do the group training, but tends to workout on his own.

It seems physical fitness is natural for the Griffins.

"I come from an active family," says Michele.

When they aren't at the fitness center, the family enjoys outdoor activities. Saturday morning often consists of a group walk or bike ride. Even the extended family gets in on the action. When taking weekend trips, there might be six or seven family members out for a ride or a swim.

Kieran Griffin, 10, watches himself in the mirror while warming up before his Tae Kwon Do class at Healthpoint Plaza.

Kieran and Chloe participate in the President's Physical Fitness Challenge, a national program to promote fitness at an early age. The rewards for achieving the awards present an incentive for young people to choose a healthy lifestyle early on.

The healthy lifestyles isn't as easy as it seems though, the family admits.

"Taking the time to workout as a family can be extremely difficult," says Michele.

In addition to keeping up with their healthy activity, the couple run their own business and Michele is hard at work completing her master's degree.

Mike Griffin works his legs on an exercise machine at Healthpoint Plaze.

Exercising as a family presents a good image for their children, Michele and Mike say.

"We don't focus on the weight issue, but more of showing a healthy image to the kids," says Michele. "I never saw my parents exercising so we feel it's important for the kids to see."

Working out as a group can make an exericise routine a little easier. Sometimes it is easy to begin a program, but quit because of boredom or lack of results. Tips from the staff at the Mayo Clinic -- a national not-for-profit medical practice -- about staying motivated with a fitness routine include seeking support and working out with your spouse or children.

Another tip suggests parents take a walk during their child's music or sports lesson. Gathering a group of coworkers or friends for a group bike ride or walk can also be helpful in keeping your exercise program on track.