By: Roxanne Elizabeth Francois

If the only fitness routine you and the kids share is remote control finger curls, then it’s time to broaden your horizons: an active lifestyle gives kids more energy and self-confidence to pursue their goals for the future (and it won’t hurt you either). Sway takes a look at some of the ways that you and your loved ones can share fun and fitness

Martial arts
Off with your head Sony Play Station, we’ve got something better. Martial arts! It’s a great way to improve self -esteem, mental concentration, physical coordination, perseverance and self-defense skills. Good martial arts training can teach children and adults a lot about discipline, commitment and goal-setting. It is also ideal for children who do not do well in team sports. Find your nearest martial arts school and take fitness to another level.

Rollerskating
A trip to the roller rink has the same health benefits as jogging in calorie burning, reduction of body fat and leg strength development. It is also effective low-impact aerobic exercise.

Family all-ages skate facilities are available at the following locations:
Scooter’s Roller Palace (2105 Royal Windsor Dr., Mississauga), Coachlite Roller Gardens (88 King W, Oshawa, 905- 429-2211), Rollerama (1001 Langs Drive, Cambridge, 519-624-9164).

Get out and get down
So you think you can dance? Whether the answer is “yes” or “no,” O.I.P. Dance Centre has a class for you and your kids. You can learn to move with confidence, energy and style with one of O.I.P’s unique classes, all taught by professional choreographers. Owner Danny Davalos has background training in jazz, folklore and contemporary, and specializes in hip-hop.

Just a 10-minute walk from the Queen subway station, O.I.P provides classes and workshops ranging from hip-hop, house, breakdancing, popping and locking, jazz, ballet, inter-lyrical, tap — even karate. Age range is from 4 years old to the young at heart. Prices range from $10 to $15 per class (packages available.)

190 Richmond E. 647-477-5225, www.oipdance.com.

Salsa Babies
New moms, get ready to shake it! The music is catchy, and the moves are contagious and mommies can be (and feel) cool, sexy and tempting.

When Jennifer Torres combined her passion for Latin dance with her desire to be home with her daughter, Salsa Babies was born. Salsa provides a great cardio workout with less strain on the joints than higher-impact activities.

Welcoming all cultures, Salsa Babies classes accommodate all levels of fitness. Some new moms are in excellent shape while others who have had C-sections or more difficult pregnancies may need to ease back into physical activity at their own pace. While moving to a salsa beat, instructors encourage creativity in finding a work/family balance.

Contact Jennifer Torres at 416-919- 4851 or visit salsababies.com.

Limited budget?
The Government of Canada has provided a children’s fitness tax credit allowing parents to claim a maximum of $500 per year for eligible fees paid for each child under 16 at any time during the year. This is to encourage young Canadians to get involved in sport and physical activity. For more info visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca/fitness.