How to exercise with kids

We all know exercise is important. The trick is finding time and keeping the kids involved. When they are little it’s easier. Put kids in a burleigh or a backpack and off you go. As they get older make it a game or fun and that seems to work.

We do family hikes. It’s not the grueling, train for weeks hikes we used to do but we sure see a lot more flowers now than ever before.

We’ve also managed to find a way to jog with our 5 year old. We play a game, she counts 1, 2, 3, go and we run, she yells stop and we come back. It works for sprints. Or one of us stays with her and the other runs up ahead and then back.

She will also run with us a bit and we pretend we are chasing bears or running after lions.

Family bikes are fun too. We play similar games on bikes so we get more exercise than just a slow bike ride.

The more you do the easier it is with kids. You’ll find your own games and what works for you. Remember they may have an off day so don’t expect perfection and patience from them every time.

Keep in mind it’s ok just to walk or ride slow with the kiddies too. Not every time with them has to be anexercise time. Some rides or walks may just be for fun.