Meet the 2016 Fit Family Challenge Spotlight Families
Two families power up for better health.
Ami Hill and her daughter Lena have a “crazy, busy lifestyle,” but Hill recognizes the importance of fitness for physical and mental health, and wants to set an example for her daughter. Jennifer and Todd Howe have two super active kids to keep up with, and are looking for ways to be active as a family. The Hill and the Howe families are this year’s Fit Family Challenge spotlight families that will share their successes and challenges as they work to meet healthy goals. Each family is working with a team of wellness experts that includes: Devan Kline and Kyle Lane of Burn Boot Camp; dietitian Tricia Azra; and wellness coach Maureen Carlomagno. Follow their progress in the Fit Family Challenge blog.
Meet the Hills
Ami Hill, age 35, counsel support manager for Girls on the Run; and Lena, age 9.
RR: What motivated you to take this challenge?
AH: We participated in the challenge on our own last year, but knowing we’re in a position where we can influence other people is inspiring.
RR: What are your goals for this challenge?
AH: I’m petite. People assume things because my frame is small, but it doesn’t mean I am fit in the least. I’m looking for some mental peace at this time in my life and exercise helps me with that. For my daughter, it’s setting that example for her. For her, it is more physical, showing her fitness does not have to be a chore, that it can be fun.
RR: What sort of healthy activities do you enjoy doing as a family or want to do more of?
AH: We just started going to different parks like Reedy Creek and walking the trails. When Lena is out in nature she enjoys sights, the animals, the people. She complains a lot less than when she does organized sports.
Meet the Howes
Jennifer Howe, age 42, marketing professional at UNC Charlotte; Todd Howe, age 40, marketing professional at Doosan Infracore; Tyler, age 9; and Molly, age 6.
RR: What motivated you to take this challenge?
JH: I’ve been going to Burn Boot Camp for two years. I’ve been putting in exercise but not necessarily the food side. I’ve made great changes, but some of it I’ve been doing on my own. To me this was a perfect thing to get [my family] on the same page.
RR: What are your goals for this challenge?
JH: My goal is to get the kids to eat more fruits and vegetables. I’d like to see my husband and I each lose 20 pounds. We’d also like to change our mentality of eating fast food on the run.
RR: What sort of healthy activities do you enjoy doing as a family or want to do more of?
JH: I would like to see us do more walking or hiking together — spend more time together outside, with all of us being physically active together. I would like for us to complete a 5K and cross the finish line together. It would be great to do more meal planning and prepping together, and we’ve talked about growing a garden.
Renee Roberson lives in Huntersville with her husband and two children.
