Exercise With Kids

Do not have enough time to get in an exercise routine everyday that you want to? Have a child that does not seem to want to do anything except lay around and watch TV or play video games? Whatever the reason may be that you can not find time to work out yourself, or you can not get your child to work out, doing exercise together can be a fun activity for both parent and child.

If your child is younger, your exercise routine probably won’t be able to be as disciplined as if you were working out on your own. However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try to include your child. Just realize as you go in that you probably won’t get the workout you would otherwise. For older children, they are less likely to interrupt you, but more prone to whine about how they don’t want to do the exercise.

In order to really get your kids involved, you may need to be creative. In any case, you are most likely going to need to find something that your child enjoys doing. This may mean that you’re not doing things that you always enjoy. On the other hand, you may introduce some new activities to your child that they will find out that they do not enjoy. Ultimately, trying to include your child in your exercise routine will not always go smoothly, especially at first.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, below is a list of a few different activities that your child may enjoy that you can do with them. Don’t be afraid to try new things. You’ll simply never know if you or they will enjoy it if you don’t try it.

• Yoga - yoga can be fun, but it can also be one of the most intense workouts that you complete. There are lots of YouTube videos if you’re looking for some inspiration.
• Aerobics - generally a bit easier than yoga, but more cardio focused.
• Biking - Getting out for a bike ride with your kids can be an extremely fun activity. If your child likes to ride their bike, try to go on a ride with them as often as possible.
• Walking - Probably the simplest of the ideas on this list. Get out and walk with your kids. If you have a dog, take them with you. Getting out and stretching your legs is a great way to keep your legs moving.
• Running - Probably better for older kids that have expressed an interest in running. This is certainly not for everyone, but there’s no reason your child can’t run if they want to. Take them out on a short run when it’s not too hot to see how they like it.
• Soccer - Sports are always a great way to spend time with your child. Get out and kick a ball around in your yard, or else head to the nearest park. Have your child chase you around while you keep the ball away from them. Chase them while they do the same.
• Frisbee - Another very simple activity, and kids of most ages enjoy it. If you’re in a location with plenty of space, then you’ll be able to run a bit.
• Weightlifting - If you’re getting into any type of serious weights, you should check with your doctor to make sure there are no issues with your child lifting weights. However, simple weight exercises should not be an issue - things such as curls and small dumbbell lifts are fine.
• Dancing - Turning on music and dancing for 10 to 15 minutes can really get your heart pumping fast. Most kids will have a song that they enjoy dancing to. Get your body moving to whatever beat your child will dance to.

These are just a few ideas of things that you can do with your kids. If there are other sports that you enjoy, then do those. If there are other activities that get your heart pumping, do that. There’s no limit on the activities that you can do to get your kids moving and for you to get a bit of a workout in as part of it.

Teaching your kids to be active doesn’t have to be hard. Spending the time and doing it with them will benefit both you and them.