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Use Your Kids as Fitness Accessories
Posted on May 5th 2009 9:00AM by Bethany SandersFiled Under: Fitness
It's tempting to use parenthood as an excuse not to exercise; after all, between work, school and family commitments, parents are pretty busy people. But with a little creativity, you can squeeze in some exercise every day ... even with kids in tow! Here's how:- Make good use of the bike trailer: Cycling is great exercise, but tow 30-75 pounds of kid on your next ride and you'll immediately give that workout a boost. Plus, your kids will get some fresh air too.
- Rather than creep along beside kids who are old enough to ride on their own, ditch your wheels and jog next to them instead.
- Monkey around. Your kid can cross the monkey bars; why can't you?
- Have a new baby? Try sitting on your fitness ball while holding her. You'll strengthen your core muscles, and the bouncing motion might put her right to sleep.
- Squeeze in strength training whenever you can: Do one squat for every push you give your tot on the swing, do tricep dips on a park bench or walk laps around the shallow end of the pool while your kids swim.
- Never sit and watch at the playground. All that running, climbing and swinging is good for you too.
- Start a new tradition -- the family walk or bike ride -- and stick to it every day, before or after dinner.
If you're a parent, share your favorite ideas with us for staying fit while spending time with your kids.
