Parents often struggle to fit in exercise, especially when kids are younger. It already feels like there isn’t enough time in the day to complete normal daily tasks, so stepping away from your young ones to add an additional 30-60 minutes of physical activity may seem impossible. However, we all know that regular exercise can improve mood, boost energy, and make you more productive. We say, bring them along!
For children in particular, exercise helps with learning, memory, cognitive abilities, the ability to focus, bone growth, cardiovascular and metabolic health, and more! Exercising with your kids is a great way to teach your children the value of fitness.
Carving out 30-60 minutes of your day for some fresh air and light movement with the kids can help you both have a better day and stay energized up until bedtime. Here are some ways to incorporate exercise into your day and stay active with young kids:
1. Take a Walk
Getting regular exercise doesn’t have to be complicated. Throw on some comfortable shoes and take the kids for a stroll down the block or in the local park. Even a 15-minute walk can boost mood and creativity, speed up the metabolism, and promote more restful sleep.
Let your kiddos walk beside you until they tire out, and then push them along in a stroller. The added exercise of pushing the stroller will help you burn more calories and build strength in your legs, arms, and core (and hopefully, your kids will be tired enough to go right to sleep!)
2. Go on a Bike Ride
Many young families find that bike riding is a great activity for the whole family. It’s simple and fun for everyone, and children are excited and engaged in learning a new skill. If your kids are too young to ride along with you, there are options to keep them in tow!
The Hamax Outback is a multi-sport stroller and trailer, so you can push the kids along on your walk or attach to your bicycle and pull them behind you. The trailer is easy to fold and transport, versatile in use for all kinds of terrains and is very easy to transform into a stroller or jogger. Safety features include an adjustable 5-point harness and reflectors/reflective material on the front, rear, and sides for maximum visibility.
3. Play Simon Says
If bad weather is keeping you and the kids indoors, try incorporating movement into the games you play. This will help stimulate their mind and body for an all-around healthy activity. Some classic favorites are Simon Says, Duck Duck Goose, and Hide & Seek.
4. Family Yoga
If you’d like to practice movement with mindfulness, you could try some beginner yoga with the kids. Yoga for kids has become increasingly popular because of its many benefits. It helps with balance, flexibility, concentration and confidence, and moms are even beginning yoga classes with their infants! If your child is really young or you’re new to yoga, look for a local ‘Parent & Me’ yoga class led by an instructor. You can also start at home with a few simple stretches and poses to help you both practice breathing, stretching, relaxing, and focus.
5. Plan a Weekend Adventure
Sometime exercise just doesn’t fit into the schedule during the week. If you and the kids didn’t get a lot of physical activity in between Monday and Friday, you can always make up for it on the weekend!
Research local parks, indoor gyms, or nature walks in your local area and take the whole family on an adventure.
Check out our Top Biking Trails section of the blog to see if there are any recommendations near you!
Planning an active day trip is a fun way to spend quality time together and create healthy habits for both you and the kids.
Exercise with kids can be a challenge. A little bit of physical activity can go a long way to help boost mood, energy levels, and wellbeing – for both of you. If you need tools to help you get outside with the kids, the Hamax Outback is designed to be an all-in-one carrier, so you can take your kiddos just about anywhere you want to go, and any way you want to travel.