Exercising With Kids -- Tips For Parents

Lynn Bodeswinging to help workout your legs. Try making it
Making exercise a priority is a challenge foracross the monkey bars - even just once (it's a
everyone. And for parents it can be especiallygreat upper body workout and you'll be amazed
difficult to find time to workout because of thethat your kid does it with such little ease). Try
full plates that they often juggle. When summersome pull-ups using a bar on the playset. Do some
arrives the juggling act becomes even moretricep dips on a nearby park bench.
tricky with kids home from school and involved in- Play catch with a ball or get a small group
extracurricular activities.together for a kickball or softball game.
- Make Saturdays family bike outing day.
The big question is how to make it a priority that- Involve your kids while you strength train. Let
fits in your schedule. Well, it's actually easier thanthem count your reps out loud for you and/or
you may think. With a little planning you can findclock your rest time in-between sets.
ways to incorporate workouts into the time you- For pool outings, don't just spend time soaking
spend with your children. Regardless of what ageup the sun. Walk back and forth in shallow water
your children are, there's a way to find time towhile your kids have fun splashing about.
workout (often even with your kids)! Here are- On rainy days that force you inside, walk or run
some tips based on the age of your children.up and down the stairs. You might even make it
Age: Infant through pre-schoola contest to see who can finish 5 complete
- Fit in exercise time while they are napping. Try arounds first.
home exercise video, walking or jogging (if youAge: Teenagers
have a treadmill), jumping rope.- Register for a fun run (or walk) event and
- Occupy them for even 15 minutes with a videospend time together training for the event.
or toy while you do some toning exercises like- Purchase a family gym membership and
squats and tricep dips.workout together weekly.
- Grab your stroller and go for a brisk walk*. Or,- Play tennis or basketball together.
buy a jogging stroller for more flexibility. With a- Consider joining a community volleyball or
jogging stroller you can walk faster, jog or evensoftball team that includes enthusiasts of all ages.
run at a fast pace. And, for veteran rollerbladers,- Don't just sit and cheer your kids at their
you can even use the stroller for some skatingsporting events. Every few minutes do some
time.walking or jumping jacks or squats.
- For younger children, you can use a back carrier- Implement a daily family walk each day before
to transport them while walking. This can burnor after dinner.
even more calories as the extra weight makes it- Work together in the yard raking leaves, planting
more challenging.flowers, trimming trees.
- Turn on some music and dance together.So, with all the above recommendations, you no
Toddlers love dancing, especially when theirlonger have the "I'm a parent - I don't have time
parents joins in.to workout" excuse. If you implement these
- Push your kid on a swing. And, after every pushactivities for just 30 minutes three times per
complete one squat.week, you can easily burn an extra 450 calories
- Use an infant carrier or bike trailer to enjoy aor more! Plus, working out sets a great example
bike ride together.for your children that will teach them at an early
Age: Grade Schoolage how important (and easy) it is to make
- Try rollerblading or skating together.physical fitness a part of daily life. Exercising with
- Spend an afternoon at a park with a playground,your kids also provides the extra bonus of
but don't spend the whole time relaxing on thespending quality time together.
sidelines - join in on the fun. Spend some time