Use Your Kids as Fitness Accessories

by Bethany Sanders (Subscribe to Bethany Sanders's posts)
May 5th 2009 9:00AM

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.

Comments (1)

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.