6 Ways to Exercise With Your Children

You already know the benefits of exercise.  In fact, is there anything exercise isn’t good for?  Most of us don’t need to be convinced that we should exercise.  The problem is that we don’t have time.  Or we don’t think that we do.  Sure, I could sneak away in the wee hours, but then I wouldn’t be able to work on my Bible study or write this awesome blog!  No, all too soon my kids will be up needing breakfast, needing to get to school, etc., etc. My husband won’t be home until much later, when I am way too tired to put one foot in front of the other.  So what is the solution?  Exercise with your children!

Before you give up on me, I want you to know I’m not completely crazy.  (Maybe just a little!)  I have tried doing pushups only to have my toddler crawl on my back giggling.  I understand your doubt and frustration.  Push ups may be off the table, unless you are one of those super lucky people who still get nap time to yourself.  There must be another way, or 6.  

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6 Ways To Exercise With Your Children

1. FITIVITIES – Kids and Family Fitness / Exercise Game, Small or Large Groups (Indoors or Outdoors) is a fun game that you can leave out and have your kids participate in between subjects if they homeschool.  If you don’t homeschool, it’s a great anytime kind of activity.  Participants work independently or in teams to complete a series of exercises as fast as possible. The exercises you do and how many repetitions are determined by what you spin and what what space you land on.  It is a fun, fast, and furious game.  The whole family, including mom, can get in on the action.  There is evidence that hard workouts done in spurts are even better for you than long routines.  Count me in!

2. We love taking walks and biking.  We are also blessed with a few amazing trails within a few minutes driving distance.  Your neighborhood will work too.  Wherever you go, it’s a good idea to keep the kids engaged.  You probably won’t be winning any marathons while they are with you, but at least you aren’t sitting on the couch, and you are breathing fresh air.  If you need to keep them motivated, you could give them something look for while you are out–certain kinds of flowers and trees, animals, colors.  It’s actually more likely, however, that your kids will be motivating you.  When we are walking, mine like to run ahead and then run back.  They probably get twice the walk in that I do!  

3. Dance Party!  Do your kids love video games?  You may try to keep your family away from them, but in small doses, they may be just what you need.  Break out some Dance, Dance, Revolution!  I like to be the one on the mat for motivation, but your kids can dance right beside you.  You can also take turns on the mat to hold their interest.  If you don’t have a gaming system, just crank up the music and dance or try out Dance Dance Revolution DVD Game.  A word of caution: Make sure your kids don’t have a camera around to record your workout!  

4. Take a class.  There is a crazy number of fitness classes popping up that you can take your baby too.  Teens are old enough to join you in regular classes.  What can you do with those in the middle?  Several martial arts classes are geared towards the entire family.  

5. Swimming is another great option–as long as you aren’t just laying out sunbathing!  It never fails that when you see a family at the pool, most parents are on the sidelines.  Get in and just play with your kids.  They will keep you moving, even if not swimming the entire time.  If you join the YMCA, you can use the pool in winter months.  (You might also be able to use their childcare if you need a few minutes to really hit that workout hard!)

6. Just get outside and play!  This can be a bit risky as you never know what your kids are going to want to do!  I guarantee, however, that this is a great way to create memories and elicit belly laughter.  

I hope you have found something that can work for you here.  Surely you can at least play with your kids!  We all get tired and just want to rest, but if we want to be around for the long haul, we need to get up and exercise with our kids.  The memories and a healthy family are icing on the cake.  

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV

And my prayer for you…

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3 John 1:2 ESV

Motivate us!  What is your favorite way to exercise with your kids?  

Here are a couple other fun things that might help you exercise with your children:

    

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