Use Your Kids as Fitness Accessories
Categories: 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.
Recent Posts
- Heidi Klum Hits The Runway After Baby (11/20/2009)
- Thanksgiving Dinner Satisfaction And Perfect Portion Control: Time to Celebrate (11/20/2009)
- Cheesy Workout Video Round-up (11/20/2009)
- Kim Kardashian's Sexy Salad Commercial (11/20/2009)
- Simple Thanksgiving Swaps (11/20/2009)
























Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Catherine 5-05-2009 @ 10:18PM
These are great ideas! I love my bike trailer. It also converts to a jogger-type stroller, so my kids can start out walking, skating, or scootering and then jump in the trailer if they need a break.
When my son was a baby/toddler and needed me to stay in his room while he fell asleep, I would do crunches on the floor next to his crib.
I also made a list here of ways for kids to work out alongside adults: http://familyfitness.about.com/od/motivation/tp/exercise_with_children.htm.
Reply