Exercise with Kids : 4 Tips to Get Active Together

Exercise with Kids: 4 Tips to Get Active Together

For 2015, two of my New Year’s resolutions are to exercise more and spend more time playing with my kids. To be honest, I haven’t been doing so well with that first part. I’m sure I’m not the only one that’s finding it hard to carve out time for me away from the kids. Then it came to me, “Why not just combine them and get active together?” Here are 4 tips to help get active and exercise with kids.

Do yoga with your kids

Yoga is great for children and parents to do together. Many of the poses are easy for young children. Yoga encourages flexibility, stamina, and concentration. There are some great books, videos, and programs out there geared especially for kids. Local libraries have several on the shelves or search Pinterest and YouTube. My younger kids like doing Yoga patterned after animals. All of the poses relate to a different animal. For the crocodile, they’ll lay on the ground and stretch while they make chopping movements with their hands.

Play sports and kid games together

Grab a ball and head to the park to play sports like soccer, football, basketball, catch, etc. Head to a nearly pool and splash around. These are all great ways to get moving. Head to the playground and swing with your kids. Swinging is a great workout for your legs and pushing the kids works the upper body. Play favorite childhood games with your kids; Simon Says, Red Light-Green Light, Tag, and Hide & Seek. They will get you moving and burn a few calories too.

Play a video game that gets everyone moving

There are several game series’ that are great ways for parents to exercise with their kids. The Just Dance series is a hit in my house because it gets everyone moving. This series has games that are suitable for every age range. We usually dance for 30 to 45 minutes so everyone gets a chance to pick out a few songs and we dance along to the routine together. We play without the remotes because it can be dangerous with kids holding a remote and waving their hands around. I’d hate for there to be an “Oh No! moment.

Go for a family walk

During the winter, an outdoor walk may be a little difficult. Instead, head indoors and get walking. It’ll be easier on the kids and you to just head to a mall and just walk around. If you are worried the kids will develop a case of the “Gimme’s”, then you can always go before the stores officially open. Many malls have “walking hours” where people can come and walk while the mall building is open but the stores are not. During the rest of the year, get outside and walk around your neighborhood, a local park, the zoo, or other places. If the kids are old enough, let them ride their bikes while you walk. Want a really good workout? Place young children in a stroller and get moving.

All of these tips are great ways to get active and exercise with kids. So get out there and have some fun!

What are some of your favorite ways to get active with your kids?

 

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Nicky Omohundro
Nicky is a California native who moved to Oklahoma over 15 years ago when the military transferred her husband here. Since then, they've come and gone a few times. But after he retired, they decided to make OKC their permanent home. By day, she's a homeschooling mom of 3; ages 12, 9, & 7. By night, she's a healthy food and travel blogger at Little Family Adventure. When she gets a little extra time, she enjoys reading, traveling, exploring local events, running, and cooking. Follow her on Instagram @lilfamadventure or on Twitter @nicomohundro

1 COMMENT

  1. […] Now I’m finding it easier to make time to exercise and having fun with my kids all at the same time! I shared 4 tips to get active together with  your kids at the Oklahoma City Moms Blog where I’m a monthly contributor. I share some great ideas on the subject of how to exercise with kids. Head on over and learn how you can get active with your kids today. Click here for the tips on how you can exercise with kids and have fun doing it. […]

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