3 Ways to Exercise with Kids

 

Dear Reader,

I recently joined a Facebook Group, The Fluffy Chicks Challenge that encourages members to get moving more, eating better and be an awesome support system to each other.

While this group has me super motivated and I am a big believer in taking time for yourself so that you can then take care of others (a la oxygen mask on an airplane style ;))…

Let’s get real for a minute.

Some days I can hardly get to use the potty by myself, without someone hollering, busting in or needing something– so to think I can carve out 45-60 minutes a day to feel the burn on my own, well is almost laughable… just sayin’

On those days, something’s gotta give… and the options are either no exercise or family exercise that keeps everyone engaged so that mama can burn some calories too 😉

Thankfully, there are lots of fun ways to accomplish this I am finding…

Catch Me If You Can

We have started doing regular walks with a twist in our local parks. We walk (with or without the dog) and suddenly out of nowhere there is a race… to the next fence post or the next bench… and the whole family races (dog and all ;)).

Yes, I am telling you that I (and sometimes we) make complete fools out of ourselves. We respect the other park goers and only race when we aren’t in their way, but it is a great way to put a burst of cardio throughout our high paced walk while having loads of family fun. It is kind of freeing to run like a child in the park… and believe me, your kiddos will adore that you are willing to play with them in such a public way.

Video Games

Crazy as it sounds, video games are one of our favorite family activities that keeps us moving. Our Wii has been especially helpful. The regular games are way more active than typical gaming systems, however there are a couple that are great cardio options all in the name of play.

My all time favorite is Nickelodeon Fit. Now, while only one player can technically play at one time, hand that remote to the kiddo, but try to keep up with your kiddo and Dora and you are guaranteed to break a sweat (and you will be sneaking some remote time with the game after the kiddo goes to bed… shh… I won’t tell ;))

Miss Add will play this for hours. It is so encouraging and has a lot of built in incentives to keep her going, not to mention super fun games and races with her favorite Nick Jr characters.

Note… I give this video a 10 on a 1-5 scale… with one exception. The remote operation is a little different than most Wii games and that takes a little getting used to… especially for the little ones. But once that learning curve is done, it is by far our favorite Wii game.

We also enjoy the Just Dance Series… our favorites?

 

Just Dance Kids

Psst… Mommy also likes Just Dance 2 and Just Dance 3.

We also get a kick out of ExerBeat where we can do aerobics, dance or toss pizzas and fight pirates to sweat it out… and then go for a swim or do a little martial arts– all while traveling around the world!

Play Ball

It doesn’t matter if it is baseball, kickball, soccer ball or even a beach ball, my girl loves to pitch, catch and chase!

And, especially when you are playing with the younger folk, adults will get  a great deal of exercise retrieving said ball if they so desire.

Not feeling the burn?

Involve a hill in the game and place yourself halfway down the hill… you will get a great workout while chasing that runaway ball in no time!

Less Guilt

I have to tell you since changing my approach to exercise on “those” days, I feel a lot more energized and a lot less guilty about neglecting my health or neglecting my family time.

I love that there are ways to do both and feel good about my day.

I just can’t believe it took me 4 years to figure it out… Just Sayin’

How about you, do you have any super fun active things you like to do with the family?

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