Workout With The Kids

Parents often have trouble finding time to exercise and care for their children. Infants and toddlers require constant care for stay-at-home parents. School age children keep parents shuttling them from one activity to the next. It can be tough to find time to exercise every day. The key to keeping fit with kids is to get fit with the kids. Involve your children in your fitness activities and parents get involved in their kids activities. With a little planning parents can find lots of things to do that are good exercise and fun for the kids.

Parents who are caring for a baby or a preschool toddler can take baby along on a walk or a jog. Invest in a sturdy jogging stroller and take baby along for the ride. Older children can go along for a bicycle ride in a child seat on the back of your bicycle. Don’t forget the helmets for both you and your child! Place your baby in a secure pack that straps to the front of your chest and take her along for your daily walk. The added weight will help you to burn more calories. Toddlers will enjoy activities when the parents are part of the action. Take your toddler to the park and push him on the swing or merry-go-round. This is a pretty good workout for your arms and your toddler will have fun. 

School-age children may enjoy skating or rollerblading in the local skate park. Go to a park that has monkey bars and race your child across the monkey bars. Have a contest to see who can do the most pull-ups on the bars. Play games like touch football, kickball, keep away, tag or softball. Go swimming together at the local pool or community center. Have a contest to see who can swim across the width of the pool the fastest. 

Fitness can be a great way for parents to stay connected with their teenagers. Play team sports with your teenager, such as doubles tennis, ping pong, volleyball, baseball or play one-on-one basketball. Volunteer to help coach your teen’s school sports team. Fitness video games are another way to connect with your teenager and get some exercise at the same time. Take part in a community walk to raise money for a charity. Remember to involve your teen in activities at home too, like yard work and gardening.