Toys and dumbbells don't exactly mix, and finding time to be a fit parent can be tough. Give these seven tricks a try—you and your child will be sweating together in no time.
Think Outside the Box
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Not all kids are into organized sports. Even if they are, there are a multitude of alternative activities you and your kids can do to stay active together.
Not every workout has to happen in a typical gym. Blast the radio and have a dance party in your living room. Try indoor rock climbing. You can even turn an ordinary day at the pool into a workout by racing one another.
Use Incentives
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Adults and kids alike respond to rewards. Many parents reward their children for doing household chores or getting good grades. The same should be implemented with exercise.
Make a deal with your child depending on fitness goals you set together. It can be as simple as taking them out to their favorite restaurant or going to see a movie. Just make sure the reward is something you can do together. If you train together, you should celebrate together, too.
Take Advantage of Screen Time
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Kids spend a lot of time looking at screens. Adults do, too. Take advantage of the hours you both spend on your phones or in front of the TV by utilizing fitness breaks.
If you sit down as a family to watch your favorite show, take advantage of commercial breaks. Use them to complete a round of bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges or burpees.
Try to combine movements that utilize different muscle groups for a full-body workout. By the end of the show, you'll have gotten a solid workout in.
Set a Routine
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There are certain things we do without thinking—brushing our teeth or jumping into the shower in the morning. Exercising should be another non-negotiable.
Set a time every day for your family to do some sort of physical activity. It can be as simple as going for a walk before dinner or playing basketball every Saturday morning. Before you know it, a healthy habit will develop.
Sign Up For a Race
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Staying motivated is easier when you have a goal in mind. Signing up for a race gives you and your family a reason to run every day.
Since you know a race day is in your future, it's harder to justify skipping a workout. Start by signing the family up for a fun 5K.
If you find races are something you and your child enjoy, you can up the distance. After all, you're never too young to finish your first half marathon. Just ask Abilene Glass.
Take a Fitness Class
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Many group fitness classes are becoming more kid-friendly. Yoga studios designed for kids are opening across the country, and there's even CrossFit for kids, too.
Whether it means dropping children off at their own class or taking one together, there are plenty of options that cater to the whole family.
Play Their Game
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As much as you might want your child to be your mini me, it's important to partake in activities they love, too.
Instead of convincing them to do things your way, try turning their activities into a workout. Whatever it may be, it's important to give your child the freedom to explore activities they love.
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