The Family Workout Booklet:

Quality Time Together

Written by Barry D. Kipnes

The Family Workout Booklet: Quality Time Together

is a thirty-one page booklet written for the purpose of dealing with two of society's major problems:

  • A low level of physical fitness among both children and adults
  • A lack of time spent together by members of a family

Using a physical fitness program as the vehicle, author Barry D. Kipnes aims to have family members spend quality time together on a regular basis. This booklet can be used as a fundraiser by elementary schools, churches, recreation departments, and all youth organizations.

Mr. Kipnes, a teacher, basketball coach, and camp director in North Reading, MA,

notes the following potential benefits of his program:

Improved physical fitness

Working out develops muscle tone and strength and increases aerobic endurance. These are two important factors in enhancing one's physical appearance.

Increased self-esteem

As fitness improves, parents and youngsters develop a "feeling of achievement". Success and positive reinforcement are major contributors to the development of confidence and self-esteem.

Improved social, physical, and academic performance

A confident child is more comfortable taking risks and accepting new challenges in many areas, such as academics, athletics, arts, and socialization.

Promotion of family unit

Parents and children work out together on a regular basis with no distractions (TV, telephone, visitors). Success and achievement are not only on a personal level, but at a group level as well.

Encouragement of communication

During the workout, family members are able to laugh, joke, talk, and enjoy each others company. This helps build an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Children gain trust in their parents, and vice-versa.

Opportunity to address important issues

During activities such as walks, games of catch, and family rides, there is an excellent opportunity to discuss major issues in a youngster's life. Topics can cover a limitless range of subjects, including things like drugs, alcohol, tobacco, education, socialization, and citizenship. During elementary school years, children are often more receptive to the ideas, influence, guidance, and direction of parents than they are in subsequent years. This is an excellent opportunity for parents to "get their points across".

Environment conducive to the discussion of drug abuse

Almost every study regarding children and drug abuse comes to the conclusion that resistance to drugs begins with family environment and support. Workout sessions provide a convenient and relevent opportunity to address this subject and discuss it in depth.

Features & publicity for The Family Workout Booklet include:


The Boston Globe's Parade Magazine
on December 15, 1996


Boston's channel 7  (NBC)
on December 27, 1996

To purchase a booklet or receive further information about using

The Family Workout Booklet

as a fundraiser, please fill out and send the following information.

All information is optional.


Your name


Your email
Your phone number

Your complete mailing address (street, city, state, zip)


Nature of your interest in the Family Workout Booklet


Any comments or questions?


We will respond to all inquiries promptly.

Thank you for your interest.

Alternately, you may write to

Barry D. Kipnes

26 Kingswood Lane

Lynn, MA, 01905

Or send email to BARRYHAWK@webtv.net

The cost of a single copy is $5.00. There is a reduced rate for bulk orders.


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