| Ashley grew up across the street from my best friend Stephanie. We would always pair up at Stephanie's birthday parties because we didn't know anyone else (neither of us went to Stephanie's school). At one particular birthday party, there was a talent show - Ashley and I danced to Ace of Base "The Sign". It's strange the things you remember from your childhood. Later, after our college years, Ashley started dating another good friend of mine Jon, and now they are married with two beautiful girls. |  |
As a working mother, she struggles to find time for her daughters, her husband and herself (Ace of Base was right - life IS demanding), so in an effort to keep both herself and her family active, she comes up with ways to sneak in exercise while spending time with her kids.
Ashley also blogs for Kveller.com - click here to check her out!
Ashley also blogs for Kveller.com - click here to check her out!
8 ways to sneak in movement & exercise with your kids
1. Dance Off
| Who can dance the longest without stopping. This is easy and inexpensive. Most cable providers have a music channel you can use: toddler songs, classical songs, princess, rock songs, etc. We just switch channels and act like we are doing corresponding dances. For added exercise, I pick up my youngest daughter (age 10 months weighing in at a whopping 24lbs or so) and it is now a weight & aerobic exercise. 2. The Animal Game This game started when I was teaching my daughter the alphabet and how to read. We take each letter of the alphabet and pick out a corresponding animal. A for Ant - crawl around the floor. B for Butterfly - run around flapping your hands as wings in the air, etc. It is amazing how many animals help different muscles. |  |
3. A nature hunt
Another favorite game of ours is to pick leaves and glue them on paper or any art project. In the Fall we use leaves, in the winter, we use pine cones, etc. We just go on an adventure walk.
4. Obstacle course
For days when you can't get outside, setup an obstacle course inside. All you need are the obstacles, which you can get from things you probably already have in the house: pillow, hula hoop, tape or ribbon, soccer ball anything you can think of to incorporate. You can have them jump over the pillow, run in the hula hoop, walk a straight line to kick the ball. When they are old enough, make it a two-story course that involves the steps! You can time each other for a race - of course let your kids win!! My 11 month old think it's hilarious and has a good time watching. Sometimes I carry her for the extra effort!
 | 5. The Alphabet Game Another Fun game! I laminated capital letters and toss them throughout the house. I give my daughter an animal or object and she runs to stand on the corresponding letter. This is great aerobic exercise, especially if you put some upstairs and some downstairs. I even act like I am timing her so she gets to the letters faster. I run behind her and we're both moving! 6. A simple walk Of course we always love to go for walks. For me it's an added benefit because my youngest cannot walk. So we all walk, and I push the stroller. Even if it is for 30 minutes it is still something that gets us moving. |
7. Playground fun
I once saw a mom pushing the swing with one arm. I thought it was strange, but she eventually switched to the other arm. I suddenly realized she was working out. She even did squats while her daughter was playing in the gazebo. Take the kids to the playground, push them on the swing for 10-15 minutes. Use only one arm for about 5 minutes, then switch. You can also jog while your kid is on the slide. My daughter loves to play monster, where they are the beautiful princesses and I am the evil monster/step mother - I run around the playground and chase her and her friends. Just another way to get moving.
8. At home workouts
Worst case scenario - just get on the treadmill during naps, or if your children don't nap anymore, have them play around you. I noticed that my oldest daughter, who is now 4, is capable of playing for 45-60 minutes near me while I am on the treadmill. She even likes to try and participate in Yoga videos. Sometimes I get interrupted but I think it's a positive thing to show her that mommy wants to be healthy.
What creative way do you sneak in exercise while spending time with your kids?
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