Don't have time to exercise as a family? Try making TV a weekend-only activity.

Bethany recently shared the benefits of running clubs, but what about a jogging partner closer to home? Your future jogging buddy may be staring at you over their breakfast bowl of corn flakes.

This morning I invited my six-year-old son, Frank, along on my walk/jog. He can ride a two-wheeler now, and stops at 95 percent of the crosswalks. I can trust him in the neighborhood -- within reason. He was thrilled to be asked, and had his helmet strap snapped and bike out of the garage in the next two minutes. Of course, he forgot his jacket.

Frank was familiar with the route since we had just clocked the mileage in the car the other day. Off we went and he was in the lead nearly the entire 25 minute workout. I had to push his back a couple times when he faltered up a long, gradual incline, but other than that, he smoked me. The best part was witnessing his obvious sense of accomplishment at the finish line. Post-route, he enthusiastically joined me for a few stretches (per a kindergartener's attention span) and a brief stint with the dumbbells. Additional benefits -- I definitely ran faster, and watching him kept my mind off the pain during those added fartleks.

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As you can imagine (and as anyone with kids knows all too well), finding time to stay fit when you're chasing after little ones can be a little difficult. In an effort to help, a local YMCA in Kansas City, Missouri has started a Fitness Challenge aimed at helping new moms find ways to keep exercising with their babies.

Called the YMCA Family Fitness Challenge, the idea is to offer suggestions that can be used by all new parents -- wherever you live.

For instance, have you thought about doing sit-ups with your baby? My daughter would've loved this when she was an infant -- though, you might not want to try it right after feeding. Experts also recommend doing squats, or using an exercise ball, as two options you can try without leaving the house.

Overall, the nice thing about this approach is that it gives families a plan. Raising kids is hectic, and, although most parents realize that eating right and staying active is important, just knowing that is only half the battle. A plan helps you chart out how you'll implement your health and fitness goals -- both for you, and for the little ones in your life.

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So you ate an enormous Thanksgiving dinner yesterday. You totally blew it, big time and kinda on purpose! After all, it was a holiday. But today you're feeling a little guilty and wish you could get out and do something physical to feel better about it. But there's family from out of town and they only get to stay a few days, so you'd hate to miss out on precious time with them.

So organize a family hike! It's a great way to spend time with your loved ones while doing something interesting and healthy, and it's great for kids and adults alike. Although you'll need to take different family member's individual fitness and health levels into account, hiking at a moderate to intense pace for one hour burns approximately 600 calories! And there are lots of ideas and suggestions on planning your hike, where to go, what to pack, how to stay safe, and ways to make it more interesting.

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