I am so glad it’s finally feels like summer. While some days so far haven’t been as nice as I would have wanted them, at least it stopped snowing. If your family is like mine, you have a daily, or weekly routine you follow. Well with school out and kids running around the yard all day long, it’s time for a new routine. And I know that for myself, routine is key to getting the exercise I need, the exercise my kids need, and keeping the family sane through the long, hot summer days.
Involving kids in your exercise routine is easier than you’d think. And while my gym does offer daycare services, on summer days, it’s so much better to go outside and enjoy the fresh air with the kids.
1. Sunny mornings are warm-cool; take a walk/run. Better yet, take the kids, who have been up since 6:30 and run with them. Having a 4 year old, I know that he needs at least 2-3 hours of outside time in any weather in order for us to live with him without going nuts. So I expel his energy while getting a workout at the same time. I load up both kids (2 and 4) into the bike trailer-stroller and we head out.
TIP: I know they sell running strollers, but if you have ever tried to use one while running, the front wheel doesn’t move so easily. If you are going on a straight road it’s great, but the minute you have to maneuver around other people, cars, or city blocks, it’s not the best. The bike trailer, however which is built to roll behind the bike, moves much, much better. I would advise investing in one if you don’t have one. It’s a 2-in-1 piece that will make it easier to squeeze exercise into your busy days.
2. Make your kid bike while you walk/run. I did this the other day. My boy was going to have to be inside most of the nice day visiting with relatives, so before they arrived, he and I went out together. It was great one-on-one time with him, I got a run in, he hot-wheeled his little legs more than a mile and when nap time came, he was ready (so was I). It may not have been the most aggressive run I got that week, but it got things pumping, I was able to run longer because of the slower pace, and Gordon had some mommy time, which is hard to come by these days.
Find Great Music My husband is one of those guys who likes to run to anything he listened to in High School: Nirvana, Bush, Smashing Pumpkins; as long as it’s loud, he’s good. But I have to have upbeat, paced music that keeps my feet moving. And surprisingly, many of the songs I run to, are ones I wouldn’t listen to for pure listening enjoyment. Plus, when you listen to them every day, it may be better for them to not be your favorite songs, otherwise you’ll just kill them. Playlist Suggestions: • Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy – Big & Rich • Raise a Glass – Pink • Girlfriend – Avril Lavine • A Million Ways – OK GO • The Magic – B.O.B. • Hot and Cold – Katy Perry • Club Can’t Handle Me – Flo Rida • Don’t Stop – Gin Wigmore • Mr. Brightside – The Killers • Promiscuous – Nelly Furtado & Timbaland • Born to Hum – Erin McKeown