John Demos, 41, never has fallen too far out of shape, but when age 40 and fear of physical decline loomed, he knew he had to step up his physical activity. Too, the former Chicago policeman wanted to pass on some kind of workout ethic to his son, Paul, 8, and daughter, Claire, 10. So nearly two years ago the Mt. Prospect legal assistant began training in tae kwon do with his children.
Regimen
More Top Picks Best Standing Desks Under 300
Two nights a week Team Demos can be found kicking and whirling under the direction of master Tae Wan Hong at Eagle’s Martial Arts in Des Plaines. The sessions last 45 to 50 minutes. “It’s nice to be able to enjoy that with your kids,” Demos said. “I like looking over my shoulder and seeing my kids. There is a bonding there.”
Tips
When working out with younger children, “have a lot of patience,” Demos said. “You have to be a source of inspiration and motivation.”
What to avoid
“You certainly don’t want to push beyond your physical limits. That was important for me to learn, especially somebody starting at 40.”
Benefits
Demos said he and both children are in great physical shape. Beyond that, the workouts give them something to share as fellow athletes rather than as parent and child. An added attraction for Demos personally: When his daughter starts dating, he will rest a bit easier knowing she can flatten a boy in a second.
Staying motivated
“I’m a cheerleader for them, and sometimes they cheer me on,” Demos explained. “It’s a buddy system.”