Eight ways to workout with your family 07/18/2012 Looking for ways to spend more time with your family? Make your kids part of your workout routine. Parents who are involved in exercise not only reap the benefits for themselves but also show their children how important it is to stay physically fit and healthy. Colleen Eggers, children's program manager at Edward Health & Fitness Centers offers these tips to incorporate your workout into the time you spend with your kids:
Push your child on the swing; after each push, do a squat or lunge.
Play at the park…play tag to work on your cardiovascular endurance, work on strength by crossing the monkey bars and bend down to pick up a ball to increase flexibility.
Put on some music and dance together.
Go for a brisk family walk. If you have a young child, put him/her in the stroller.
Work together in the yard; raking leaves or planting flowers.
Create family fitness challenges and rewards -- e.g., a prize for the most steps on the pedometer.
Join a community volleyball or softball team, or sign up for a class together, such as yoga.
Sign your family up to participate in and train for a community or charity run/walk event.
With a little creativity, the whole family can reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle while spending quality time together. Learn more about family fitness at www.edward.org/fitness.
