Aloha CAMPers!
How do busy parents fit in their workout for the day when they have kids to look after? It’s easy…they get them involved into their workouts. Whether it’s a daily or weekly routine, there are many ways to get your children involved; it just takes a little creativity. Not only does it benefit you and allow you to stay fit, but also it’s good for your children as it helps them build health habits from a young age.
No matter what age your kids are, have them join you in your exercise regiment. Do they play sports? Try to get involved in their sport or activity that they are interested in. For example, your kid plays soccer. Go to a park or the backyard and do some soccer drills. Who knows…maybe it’ll give you that motivation you’ve been after to get back into playing shape! If not, chances are you’ll get your heart rate up and you get to spend quality time with your kids. Maybe your kids aren’t involved in any kind of organized sport. Not a problem! Go out on a hike. Depending on how strenuous your hike is, you could burn quite the amount of calories. Make you’re hike even more fun and fitness oriented by doing a scavenger hunt. Make it a rule that every time an object is found you all have to do some type of bodyweight exercise for a certain amount of repetitions. Here are a few other ideas to get your kids involved:
- Go on a run – babies and toddlers give you a good advantage for your run…their stroller. It’ll give you the benefit of added resistance throughout your run. Have older kids? Train with them for a race (5k, half marathon, triathlon, Spartan race, ect.) . You’ll both get to accomplish it together.
- Family Bike Ride – There are many bike trails around just waiting for you to take on. Whether it’s on a road bike around the neighborhood or up in the more mountainous terrain on your mountain bike, it’s up to you.
- Head to the Playground – There are so many creative exercises you could do on a playground. Challenge yourself with some pull-ups on the monkey bars, or make some sort of safe obstacle course that you and your kids could participate in.
- Family Games – Have your kids invite their friends and their families and set up some type of active/athletic competition. Keep it friendly and don’t let it get too competitive.
- Get out your swimwear – Go to your nearest pool or recreational center and go for a swim with your kids. The water will be a nice change of pace for your workout and a good way to cool off this summer.
There’s lots of ways to get your kids involved with your fitness regiment. Just be creative with it and think of ways to just have fun with your children. Remember, you’re not just trying to fit in your workout into your busy day, but you’re also teaching and being a great example of how to live a healthy and active lifestyle. If children learn to enjoy and value an active lifestyle, there is a greater chance of it becoming a healthy habit for them throughout their lives.
Akamu Aki Manager / Performance Specialist CAMP, Building Better Athletes LLC