Weight Loss And Health Care

The good weather is upon us, and with it comes the chance to stop this yearly hibernation and actually get some exercise and some vitamin D!

But there's a problem. How do you get exercise with toddlers in tow? They have really short legs! Anything you do together is bound to slow you down, or to be so easy that you don't get in shape.

Even walking is difficult with small children, because you have to walk so slowly for them to keep up. Biking may work, but they're so slow on their tricycles or with training wheels that it's not much fun for you. So what do you do?

When kids are little is a bit of a struggle. But with some creativity, you can find ways to get outside and be active!

Use Bicycle Accessories

Biking is one of the best forms of exercise you can get, and you can bring kids along! You can buy those unique bicycle trailers that you attach to your bike and pull your children behind you. I fit two children in there--5 and 3--and though it was crowded, they enjoyed it. Younger children will often sleep with all the movement. And best of all, these are relatively safe because if you fall off the bike, they don't go anywhere.

When my girls were little, I would load them both up in the bike trailer and we would go places. I was in the best shape of my life in those days. Often I would bike to a park where they could then get out and play and I could rest before having to take them home again!

Unfortunately, the trailers can get pricey. Search out second hand stores for them, or put an ad in your local shopping paper. Check online sites, too.

Remember, too, that the trailer's use goes beyond toddlerhood! We still have ours today, though my children are now on adult bikes. I just use it for groceries! Now that's exercise!

When children get to be about five, add the wheel extension onto your bike. It's a separate wheel and a separate set of pedals and handlebars, so they have their own mini-bike hooked up to yours. This way they don't slow you down, but they get the practice of pedalling. It takes a while to get the balance, but it works!

Combine Activities

When children are still in the 3-5 range, another idea is to let them bike while you walk. To bike at the same time as them is often frustrating because you're going so slowly. But they can bike to a park, and you get some exercise walking with them!

Smaller children can also practice roller blading while you jog beside them. That way you both go at about the same speed, but you still get some exercise!

Encourage Hiking

We've always been the type that takes walks as a family, so that's been our exercise. And we've done big hikes since the time the girls were 6 and 7. If you stop frequently and have snacks, they tend to go right along without getting too tired. Kids really do have abundant energy.

Get Creative with Sports

Soccer is another great way to start some exercise. It gets all of you running, and it's fun. To make it more interesting for the adults, try it with two balls. Kids have a harder time getting to the ball and kicking it, so you and your spouse can keep one ball going between the two of you while you also try to get the ball going with the kids. That makes it more of a workout for you, while the kids still have fun!

Frisbee and throwing the ball is also a great workout. Children aren't necessarily that accurate when they throw, so you'll get your heart beating as you chase after all the balls they send in the wrong direction!

In the end, the important thing is that you're getting outdoors, getting your heartrate up, but most of all spending time as a family. When you put in time with the kids, they know you care. And when you put in exercise, you prove that their health is important. So get moving together! You'll all have a lot more fun!