| The good weather is upon us, and with it comes the | | | | their own mini-bike hooked up to yours. This way they |
| chance to stop this yearly hibernation and actually get | | | | don't slow you down, but they get the practice of |
| some exercise and some vitamin D! | | | | pedalling. It takes a while to get the balance, but it |
| But there's a problem. How do you get exercise with | | | | works! |
| toddlers in tow? They have really short legs! Anything | | | | Combine Activities |
| you do together is bound to slow you down, or to be | | | | When children are still in the 3-5 range, another idea is |
| so easy that you don't get in shape. | | | | to let them bike while you walk. To bike at the same |
| Even walking is difficult with small children, because | | | | time as them is often frustrating because you're going |
| you have to walk so slowly for them to keep up. | | | | so slowly. But they can bike to a park, and you get |
| Biking may work, but they're so slow on their tricycles | | | | some exercise walking with them! |
| or with training wheels that it's not much fun for you. | | | | Smaller children can also practice roller blading while |
| So what do you do? | | | | you jog beside them. That way you both go at about |
| When kids are little is a bit of a struggle. But with some | | | | the same speed, but you still get some exercise! |
| creativity, you can find ways to get outside and be | | | | Encourage Hiking |
| active! | | | | We've always been the type that takes walks as a |
| Use Bicycle Accessories | | | | family, so that's been our exercise. And we've done |
| Biking is one of the best forms of exercise you can | | | | big hikes since the time the girls were 6 and 7. If you |
| get, and you can bring kids along! You can buy those | | | | stop frequently and have snacks, they tend to go right |
| unique bicycle trailers that you attach to your bike and | | | | along without getting too tired. Kids really do have |
| pull your children behind you. I fit two children in there--5 | | | | abundant energy. |
| and 3--and though it was crowded, they enjoyed it. | | | | Get Creative with Sports |
| Younger children will often sleep with all the movement. | | | | Soccer is another great way to start some exercise. It |
| And best of all, these are relatively safe because if | | | | gets all of you running, and it's fun. To make it more |
| you fall off the bike, they don't go anywhere. | | | | interesting for the adults, try it with two balls. Kids have |
| When my girls were little, I would load them both up in | | | | a harder time getting to the ball and kicking it, so you |
| the bike trailer and we would go places. I was in the | | | | and your spouse can keep one ball going between the |
| best shape of my life in those days. Often I would bike | | | | two of you while you also try to get the ball going with |
| to a park where they could then get out and play and I | | | | the kids. That makes it more of a workout for you, |
| could rest before having to take them home again! | | | | while the kids still have fun! |
| Unfortunately, the trailers can get pricey. Search out | | | | Frisbee and throwing the ball is also a great workout. |
| second hand stores for them, or put an ad in your local | | | | Children aren't necessarily that accurate when they |
| shopping paper. Check online sites, too. | | | | throw, so you'll get your heart beating as you chase |
| Remember, too, that the trailer's use goes beyond | | | | after all the balls they send in the wrong direction! |
| toddlerhood! We still have ours today, though my | | | | In the end, the important thing is that you're getting |
| children are now on adult bikes. I just use it for | | | | outdoors, getting your heartrate up, but most of all |
| groceries! Now that's exercise! | | | | spending time as a family. When you put in time with |
| When children get to be about five, add the wheel | | | | the kids, they know you care. And when you put in |
| extension onto your bike. It's a separate wheel and a | | | | exercise, you prove that their health is important. So |
| separate set of pedals and handlebars, so they have | | | | get moving together! You'll all have a lot more fun! |