3 Ways to Combine Fitness, Family, Quality Time
July 19th, 2011 | 
Author: by Greg Hayes
One of the challenging parts of having young kids is balancing their needs for your time and attention against fitting fitness into your daily schedule. The most common method is to take them to your gym’s childcare room while you do your workout. While it may provide a welcome break for you, finding ways to include them in your fitness activities not only builds their interest in health and fitness, but strengthens your shared bond as well. With that thought in mind, consider these kid-friendly activities to promote fitness and health while building family bonds as well.
Canoeing
Two weeks ago, I took my youngest to a nearby national park, where we rented a canoe and spent 4 hours enjoying each other’s company. The best thing about it was the complete lack of distractions; no cell phones or entertainment devices. We each took a paddle, and just chatted and enjoyed the scenery together. He commented more than once on how quiet and peaceful it was on the river. While it’s fun, don’t expect much meaningful help from them. If anything, his lack of stamina, coupled with a fierce determination to “help” increased the challenge level for me. Trust me when I say paddling a canoe for four hours is one of the best oblique exercises I’ve ever done. It’s real-world – and hard core. But our time together, talking, paddling, and exploring a small island on the river was priceless.
Hiking
A few years ago, my wife and I took our kids on a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. My youngest, who at the time was only 2 years old, is both asthmatic and epileptic, but we’ve determined those things will not keep him from being an active participant in life. With that in mind, we planned a handful of 1-3 mile hikes to waterfalls and other natural features they would enjoy. When he got tired, I carried him. I distinctly recall hiking a full mile with him asleep; riding piggy-back on me. But he got to see that waterfall, and I slept like a baby that night. Great aerobic and strength building workout for me. The wonder on his face at the falls was a treasure beyond measure.
Biking
If you want to know how to boost metabolism, try cycling. It’s is a great way to combine aerobics and strength training, while bringing the kids along for the ride. For the youngest of children, a breakaway wagon that fastens to your bike allows them to ride along, chat with you, and enjoy the scenery. As they got old enough to start biking, I took up running alongside. By the time kids are 5-6 years old, most can maintain a 7-9 minute/mile pace on a bike, which is more than enough to challenge the average runner. If they’re like my kids, they’ll relish the challenge of trying to “beat” you. Never mind they’re cycling and you’re running. As they roll into adolescence, you’ll relish the time spent together laughing and talking.
The challenge of finding ways to get your workout while including the kids can seem daunting. But, as you can see, with a little imagination it’s possible to not only include them, but make them active participants in your workouts. Each of you can reap the rewards of physical activity, and bonding that comes with shared activity.
Greg Hayes writes regularly at Live Fit Blog, where you can find information about fitting fitness into busy lives. For ideas on choosing healthy snacks for kids, and other useful health, fitness, and weight loss tips, check it out!
Posted in Family Activities