How can I exercise with a 7 year old?
Asked by robingood on Oct 26, 2009
in Family & Pregnancy
I recently had to stop running as I have a 7 year old and am divorced. I cannot leave him alone. So, I have been trying to figure out how I can still keep on my exercise. I love to run, not a big fan of walking, but I think maybe I can take him with me if I walk. Maybe I'm dreaming, but my weight loss has virtually ended since my running has gone from 3 times per week to once. :-(
Answer
If your time is limited, it's better to run than to walk. For instance, a 150 lb person, burns 258 calories walking at 3.5 mph for an hour, whereas one hour of running at 6 mph burnes 680 calories - big difference! I don't think a 7 year old will think walking is fun. At that age, children like to jump rope, hop scotch, hulahoop, roller skate, bicycle or toss a football, and it is wise to play with your child often. But for your daily workout, I recommend the following at this point in your life: exercise at home with a workout DVD, a piece of equipment like a treadmill, or a home cardio-routine, or join a gym with a childcare center or classes for your child while you exercise. Likewise, exercise in short spurts all day long.
