In the peaceful surroundings of Wormit, Fife, Emma Forster has mastered the art of blending family life with fitness. As a mother of four and a seasoned fitness coach, she doesn’t just encourage her children to stay active—she makes it a way of life.
A Natural Progression
For Emma, keeping her children—Jess, 17; Belle, 15; Mac, 13; and 10-year-old Molly—active has never been a struggle. Exercise and sport are simply woven into the fabric of their daily lives. Emma, a certified nutritionist and personal trainer with over two decades of experience coaching children’s sports, runs Peacefit, a Crossfit-affiliated gym on her family’s farm.
“My kids don’t see exercise as a chore; they genuinely enjoy it,” she says. Emma and her husband Ross, who helps manage the gym alongside his responsibilities at their family farm, have always encouraged their children to explore various sports and outdoor activities from an early age.
“We started with baby gymnastics and always made sure they spent plenty of time outdoors, taking advantage of the space we have on the farm. Whether it was swimming, football, or just getting dirty in the fields, we wanted them to try everything and find what they loved.”
Leading by Example
Emma’s approach to parenting involves leading by example. She believes that children learn as much from what they observe as from what they are told.
“It’s crucial to be a role model. If you want your children to be active, you can’t be sitting on the couch all day. Kids are always watching, and if they see you being active, they’ll naturally follow suit,” she explains.
Emma’s philosophy has clearly paid off. Her children are as enthusiastic about fitness as she is, often integrating exercise into their daily routines, even during exam periods. “When Jess was studying for her Highers, I didn’t have to push her to take breaks—she would naturally go for a walk or head to the gym.”
Family Workouts
The Forsters also prioritize exercising together as a family. This often takes the form of Crossfit sessions, but the children sometimes take the lead, designing their own workouts on the gym’s whiteboard. “It’s fantastic to see them come up with their routines,” Emma says. “They each have their preferences—Jess loves barbell exercises, Belle is all about core workouts, Mac excels at deadlifts and running, and Molly is into gymnastics. They choose exercises that suit their interests, and we all participate.”
Creating a Positive Environment
Beyond physical health, Emma stresses the importance of a supportive environment for mental well-being. She believes that engaging children in sports or hobbies during their formative years can significantly impact their teenage years.
“Being part of a team or club can make a world of difference. It gives them a sense of belonging and accountability, which is crucial, especially during those tricky teenage years. It’s about creating a positive, supportive atmosphere where they feel encouraged and motivated.”
Emma’s gym, Peacefit, provides such an environment, where her children not only stay fit but also connect with a community that shares their interests. “It’s great to hear them talk about how another member helped them improve their technique. It’s not just about me encouraging them; they’re motivated by others in the gym as well.”
Making Fitness Fun
Emma also emphasizes the importance of making exercise enjoyable. Peacefit is equipped with various tools that turn workouts into play for older children—whether it’s climbing ropes, doing box jumps, or hanging upside down from the rig. “When I run kids’ classes, I focus on making it fun. They write their names on the whiteboard, make friends, and sometimes, we even have themed classes. The key is to ensure they’re having a good time.”
What the Kids Say
Emma’s approach to fitness has clearly rubbed off on her children. Jess enjoys the mix of socializing and exercising, saying, “It’s more than just working out; it’s being part of a community.” Molly loves the gymnastics equipment, while Mac prefers running and using the machines. Belle appreciates the unpredictability of Crossfit, saying, “Every day is different, and that’s what makes it exciting.”
With a gym right in their backyard and a supportive, fitness-focused family, the Forster children are growing up with a healthy, active lifestyle that will likely stay with them for life.
