KIds and exercise

My wife and I work completely different schedules so it is usually only one of us with the kids during our "off" time from work.  How Do I get some exercise in during this time with a 5yr old and a 2yr old.  I would love to go on a long bike ride or a hike in the mountains, but I can't seem to make it work witth thier ages.  Any suggestions as to how I can push myself, and keep the kids involved? 

go to the park and play tag, or take a healthy picnic lunch to a nearby nature reserve (like a national park kinda thing) or the beach or something and go for walks, or bring a soccerball so all of you can play together.

bonding AND excercise.

About 2 months ago, erinzz gave a terrific list of suggestions here:

http://caloriecount.about.com/forums/post/462 14.html#7

Of course she was replying to a woman, but men are also allowed to play with their kids .

 

You could push them in a stroller. Or I workout to dvd's alot and I put the playpen in the room with me and put my 2 yr. old in it. She is now at the point she will exercise with me in her play pen. Although she just turned 2 a few days ago so that may not work long term.

I put on radio disney sometimes and me and the girls dance around.

Also walk on the treadmill and put something they like to watch on t.v. Or have a special treat such as crayons or something they can do that they don't always do so they will look forward to doing that.

Good luck

Michelle

They also make trailers you can attach to the back of your bike and the kids could ride in that.  It certainly would increase the intensity of your ride with a 5 year old in it, though.

I like to take my kids (9, 6 and 3) for walks.  Unfortunately, I don't feel the walk is nearly as  much of a workout when they are with me but at least I'm not sitting at home on the couch (I never thought I'd hear myself say THAT).

I also use walk at home DVD's.  Kids can participate with you and you can do it in any weather.

Just a warning for those using treadmills with young children around.  Kids have gotten their hands caught in the treadmill.  Need to be very careful if they are out in the open and can reach the treadmill.

I like to do things that include my kids.  That way they get some exercise too.  I'm trying to instill good habits in them now.

Pam

I had the same problem (my kids are 2,4,5, and 7).  Different solution because I am home with them all day I feel justified in getting a little escape time, but I also wanted to not desert them and leave my husband with all of them because he would go to resent that and I would feel guilty.  Also wanted the kids to be involved in something physical -- enter YMCA!!  Family pass (no matter how big your family)...I drop them off at physical activity programs and go do something myself.  I generally take 2 or three kids -- they have fun, I have fun, reasonable price, husband doesn't suffer.....excellent solution for us.

I know how difficult it can be to hike and do things outdoors with young children! Our oldest is 9; we also have a 8 year old and a 6 year old. They have finally reached the point where we can hike 3 miles as a family--yes, it may take us longer at the kids' pace, but the fun we have is worth it.

When we first started spending more time outdoors and on the trails I had to make it fun for the kids--our first attempt we nicknamed the "Whiner's Trail" and "The Trail of Tears". The National Park Service has some wonderful programs for kids at National Parks. The programs usually entail learning about wildflowers, wild animals, habitats and such, but what's neat is that they usually involve walking/hiking through the parks. Since the programs are for kids, the hikes are very manageable; although some of the programs do have age restrictions :(

Their website is: http://www.nps.gov/

Also, I've made scavenger hunt lists for the kids to find things when we go on hikes. I've used pictures and words to help with reading. Many of the parks have "Leave no trace" policies and encourage explorers not to take things from the parks. So I wouldn't make it a collection scavenger hunt, more like an "I Spy" scavenger hunt. In order to get the kids excited you might want to "equip" them with gadgets they need for a hike--i.e. a child's size bookbag (to make them feel like a hiker with a big backpack on), binoculars, wildlife/insect/plant identification books, child-sized canteens, snacks, etc....

My husband also loves taking the kids to the local playground and playing tag with them. That is some REALLY good exercise. The kids wear him out fast :) Another place to consider as an outing with the kids is a rollerskating rink. I'm not sure how numerous they are anymore, but we have one where we live that operates on the weekends and the kids enjoy it. You'd get some exercise on the floor helping the kids to skate. And they have skates for toddlers too. My husband also take our kids to another local park that has an exercise trail--the kind with exercise stations. The trail is about 1.5 miles long and the kids enjoy doing the stations, although they do need help which just means more exercise for my husband :)

Hope this helps!

 Jennifer

Thanks for all of your suggestions.  This really gives me a starting point.