How to Exercise with Kids

Say your schedule doesn’t allow for much solo time, or you just want to model good health habits for your child. Either way, exercise can be a family affair. Here are some ways to work up a sweat with your kids in tow.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Bless the folks who invented jogging strollers. Most young children can last through an hour-long walk or run with the right scenery and snacks. And pushing the added weight of a stroller and child is a great way to build up strength.
2. Try a similar alternative for babies: Front carriers, slings or backpacks work well for walking or hiking.
3. Look for Mommy/Daddy & Me yoga classes at your local studio.
4. Create your own circuit workout in your backyard or at a park. Run sprints in between sit-ups, push-ups, leg lifts and lunges.
5. Hit the neighborhood track with balls and bubbles. The kids can play on the field while you run circles around them.
6. Join a gym that has quality childcare. Look for a clean playroom, reasonable child/teacher ratios and age-appropriate toys.
7. Buy a bike trailer and find a safe road with few stop signs. Unlike the jogging stroller, bike trailers don’t give kids as much of a view, so they may get bored sooner. Try enticing them with a trip to the park after the ride. As your child grows, replace the trailer with a tag-a-long bike that attaches to the back of your bike. When your child can ride a two-wheeler, have her ride alongside you while you run.
8. Play nine holes and skip the golf cart. Let the kids putt your balls in.
9. If the kids are old enough to swim on their own (with a lifeguard present), go to a pool where you can swim laps or water jog while they play nearby.

Tips & Warnings

• For many of these choices, it helps to have backup. Enlist a friend and trade off: She plays Marco Polo while you swim laps, and then switch.
• Lower your personal expectations. If you're training for an Ironman, you'll probably need to exercise before the kids even wake up.