Calling all homeschoolers!

Recently a homeschooling mom shared her dilemma with me. It all started after the birth of her youngest, when she gained more than she intended...and those extra pounds refused to budge, even years later. Then her husband began putting on weight. They turned from a healthy, trim family into what she described as "couch potatoes who only got up to go look for more potatoes to eat".

They tried bicycling as a family, but it was hard to get into any sort of routine. Plus, they seemed plagued by flat tires, lost helmets, loose chains, outgrown bikes, poor weather and other problems that, while not insurmountable, made bicycling into more of a bother than they had anticipated.

Then they decided team sports were the way to go, so they headed down to the local Recreation Department. Next thing they knew, they were spending weekends shuttling back and forth between two or three different sports fields and juggling a schedule that kept them running during the week.

And Mom and Dad? They were so busy driving their children to sports activities, that they had no time for exercise.

One evening, after yet frantic afternoon, the father asked, "Didn't we homeschool so we could do stuff together as a family? How is having our children in all these separate activities and on all these different teams really helping us bond better? Besides, I don't think the kids are in all that much better shape, especially since we eat so much fast food while we're rushing from one thing to another." Then he sighed and said, "Wouldn't it be great if we could all join a gym together or play some sport that we could all do as a family?"

And they both laughed over the silliness of his idea...until the mom shared her story with me. By the time we finished our conversation, she was convinced I had the correct solution to her dilemma, and she was ready to sign up. The only reason she's not at Shinjin Karate is because she lives out of the area. But, last I heard, she's looking for karate schools in her area that allow parents and children to take classes together.

If her story resonates with you, I'd like to encourage you to call me today at 805-931-0683. For January 2009, I am putting together a special "Homeschooling Fitness Package" that will be tailor-made for your particular family and your schedule. To get started, all you need to do is call to set up your first FREE introductory session, during which we'll get to know each other. I'll briefly assess your family's level of fitness; we'll talk about your goals; we'll go over schedules; I'll guide you through a sample workout (either fitness activities, martial arts, or both, depending on your interest) and I'll help you set up the best program for your family.

We have morning and evening fitness classes, and afternoon and evening karate classes. I'm sure we can put together a Fitness Package that will help your family become stronger, not just physically, but relationally --- and mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well.

And if you're not a homeschooling family? Ask about our "New Year's Resolution Success Program". Both programs offer reduced class prices for new students who begin in January 2009.