How to Develop a Walking Exercise Program with Your Kids

There is no better way to enjoy the outdoors and teach your children about nature than to start a walking program. It is also a wonderful way to introduce your children to healthy exercise and get fit yourself. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Walking shoes
• Comfortable Exercise Clothes
• Watch
• Your Children

1. Consult with your doctor. Make sure you don’t have any health concerns that will prevent you from a walking program.
2. Buy yourself and your children comfortable walking shoes. Walking without proper footwear can lead to arch, foot and ankle issues for you, or your children, down the road (no pun intended).
3. Purchase some comfortable exercise gear. You want to be comfortable when you are out walking for long distances.
4. Sell your children. Make sure and show how exciting an adventure this can be, so that your kids will want to be a part of the program.
5. Start slowly. Even if your doctor has given the green light for your healthy walking program, it is never a good idea to start with a huge amount of distance. Remember, you have a child with you who may not be able to withstand long distance right away.
6. Gradually work your way up to longer distances.
7. Mix things up. In order to create the maximum amount of cardiovascular benefit, walk some distances faster than others.
8. Smell the roses. Keep things fun for yourself and your kids. Stop when you, or they, see something interesting. Let them explore. It will be fun for you as well.
9. Keep goals to a minimum. Remember, if you wanted to run the Boston Marathon, you wouldn’t be walking. So don’t push the exercise goals too hard.
10. Have fun. When you have fun, your whole family has fun.