BBC’s Rangan Chatterjee makes Park Runs a family affair

Tuesday 16th April 2019 17:10 EDT
 

Most people are happy going to the gym or exercising alone but there are some that prefer to get healthy   in a more social way. Whether it’s a relative or friend, they are much more likely to commit to a class if they have someone to do it with, 

The BBC’s Dr Rangan Chatterjee, GP and author of The Stress Solution believes that  this communal element is crucial to help with individual motivation which is often a major barrier to making healthy choices. He also firmly believes that modelling a healthy llifestyle can have a positive effect on getting children  moving and off the sofa.  

Studies show that our innate desire to compare ourselves to our peers means we are more likely to live well if those around us do, too – if the whole family embraces an active routine, then, it’s easier for us to stick with.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph Dr Chatterjee talked about how his son, then five, spotted a poster for Junior Park Runs (a weekly 2km course) in their local Wilmslow park and together began attending as a pair and when his daughter was old enough she and his wife Vidh joined in too. “Initially, my wife wasn’t that keen and just came along [to watch], but it’s got her running now, and it’s motivating her to get fitter. You help to motivate each other.”

The four of them are so committed that these weekly fitness bursts have become “a family institution”, Rangan says. “It’s completely changed the landscape of our weekend. Instead of moping around on a Sunday morning, we’re out in the fresh air for the 9:30am start time: it’s got a routine and a rhythm to it.”

Their local Cheshire crowd usually reaches 50-100 people, and Park Run’s motto – ‘It’s a run, not a race’ – demonstrates the accommodating atmosphere it engenders. Many of the children walk the course, rather than running it, and the Chatterjees often spot schoolmates and friends from local clubs en route.

“Kids don’t really do what you tell them to – they’ll do what they see you do,” Rangan says. “If I want them to be active, it’s best to all be active together.”


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