Fitness Friday: Getting Fit with the Family

It seems like a common issue with a lot of people when it comes to working out is time. We are all busy, whether we work outside the home or in. We have kids to get ready for school, lunches to pack, laundry to do, dinner to make. There never seems to be enough time for me, because we spend soo much time doing for everyone  else.

Recently as I mentioned, I joined a gym and it’s a great place for me to get away from it all for awhile and focus on me. But let’s be honest; this isn’t always possible. With my husband being an OTR truck driver he isn’t at home to sit with the kids. So usually I have my Mom, Dad or sister step in to keep an eye on them while I go work out, but they have lives too. Though I can work out at home with my treadmill, (or even YouTube work out videos as I have mentioned before) I do like to get the kid’s moving too. Their health is just as  important as mine, and I need to encourage them to get exercise as well. Not only is this great for the entire families health, but it gives me quality time with them too. It’s a win/win!

Color Runs are a great way to get the kids into fitness. This year my girls participated in three color runs, and my son two. These events are something that all the kids look forward to, and we ‘train’ weeks beforehand by walking or jogging around the neighborhood. The kids love that they get messy (and I don’t yell about it) and they get a t-shirt to show off to their friends as part of their participation. My oldest decided that the color runs should be part of a family tradition, and I couldn’t agree more. What better of a tradition to pass down then exercise?

You can find a list of color runs in your area here.

Color runs aren’t the only way to keep your family interested in fitness. There are things kids LOVE to do that can keep them and you burning calories. Even cleaning the house can be a work out!  In just an hour you can burn anywhere between 300 – 800 calories spending time with the kids doing what you both love.

Rain or shine, cold or hot, there is always an activity that you can do with your kids to get your exercise in each day. Remember, your family learns by watching you. Set a good example, and get moving! What activities are you going to try with your family this weekend?