Doing workouts with your kids is one of the fastest and easiest ways to make sure that the entire family gets the right amount of exercise on a regular basis. On top of that, it can also help to make sure that while you build the right physical activity habits for yourself, your kids will get off to a great start in living lives that remain active over the years. You’ll build great habits that will last a lifetime because it will be normal for them right from the beginning.
Finding Time for Workouts with Your Kids
Of course, one of the main concerns that many parents have is that they can’t find the time to workout with their kids. Alternately, if you haven’t been all that active for a while, then it may feel very difficult to keep up with exercises at the level of your children. That said, there are lots of great exercises that you can do that will suit the fitness level of both you and your little ones.
You may be surprised at how quickly both you and your kids start to look forward to this active time together. It can be a ton of fun and, when done right, you’ll all start to think of it as quality time together, not just an opportunity to do something that is healthy and that sets the right habits for an active lifestyle moving forward.
The key is to prioritize this time. Make it a part of your routine that is a requirement for everyone – not optional. In this way, you’ll always stick to it. If you find that you simply don’t have that kind of time to spare after work and school, then make it a great way to start the day. Even a fifteen-minute stretching or yoga session after getting up can ensure that you all get moving and start the day feeling fresh and alert.
Types of Workouts with Your Kids You’ll All Enjoy Together
The following are some of the types of workouts with your kids that can be done at virtually any fitness or skill level. These don’t require much – if any – specialized equipment beyond a good pair of shoes or a yoga mat. Some of these exercises can also help to get much-needed household chores done, so they will be even easier to fit into your daily schedule.
Hiking
Workouts with your kids need to be fun and educational at the same time. What better way to ensure both aspects than to go hiking? You can take them hiking in the forest or near a campsite. They will be able get up close and personal with nature as well as enjoy a good workout. You can even give them a brief lecture on the various aspects of their natural environment.
Jogging
If you do not have time to go to the gym, you can go jogging in the park. Take your kids along and you will be able to spend some quality time with them as well. They can enjoy the open air and the sights and sounds of the park. Meanwhile, you can get a good workout and burn some calories.
Dance
One of the many ways you can indulge in workouts with your kids is to join a dance class. You can look for one in which parents and children learn together, in a single class. You will be able to impress everyone with your dance moves at family gatherings in addition to getting a good cardio workout regularly.
Doing Chores
Doing chores can also be used as an exercise for kids. Be sure to involve yourself in the chores as well, though. This way, your kids will be able to learn to do their chores while getting some much-needed exercise. This “exercise” is also a great way to teach kids to be responsible.
Bodyweight Exercises
If you want to get your kids into the habit of working out, you should introduce them to bodyweight exercises. These exercises include push-ups, pull-ups, chin-ups, crunches, and leg raises. There are many bodyweight exercises that you can use in tandem with other workouts as well. Workouts with your kids are not only meant to provide you with exercise but should also get your kids into the habit of living a healthy lifestyle.
Yoga
One of the most common misconceptions is that only adults get stressed. Even kids get stressed–the only difference being that they have other reasons to be stressed. This is why doing yoga with your kids will prove helpful. At the same time, many yoga poses serve as excellent exercises.
Loving Your Workouts with Your Kids
Use these ideas to develop an exercise regimen that will keep your kids and yourself healthy. This way, you’ll come to enjoy and look forward to your workouts with your kids, and they will too.
