Family Ties to Fitness

We all know that exercising with a partner can greatly improve motivation. A recent study published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise found who that partner is can also make a difference. Researchers studied mothers and daughters in a 12-week program divided into two groups. One group exercised three times a week at home; the other group exercised three times a week at a community centre with an instructor. Community-based participants attended 77 percent of the sessions, while home-based participants attended 70 percent of the recommended sessions. Overall, it appears that mothers and daughters can be strong encouragers to one another's health. In both groups, mothers increased their muscle strength and endurance, aerobic capacity, and flexibility. Daughters improved their muscle endurance. Mothers and daughters in both groups increased their general participation in all areas. Exercising at home together regularly is a fun, cost-effective way to get fit.