Incorporating kids into your exercise plan

[Coco_Hikes]

My kids are 4 years apart, and so have completely different physical capabilities, of course. Since going to a gym is not an option for me, and I am not consistent with home exercise videos, I'm thinking my best bets exercise-wise are hiking and walking while pushing them in a double stroller. Hiking won't exactly be of the all-day, lots of ups and downs variety that my DH and I did before kids, and my 4yo was becoming especially draggy about going farther than a mile or two earlier this year, before we retired hiking for the summer. But at least I'd be able to wear the baby and use his added weight as resistance on whatever-length hikes I can get my daughter to do.

What I'm really wondering is whether it's ridiculous to even try to get a 4(.5-5)yo to hang out in a double jogging stroller with a 6(-12)mo while I push them around for a couple of miles (45 mins/3 days week). I just discovered a fabulous new walking/running/stroller path near home that is ideal for this. Stroller walking is what I did to get back in shape after my daughter was born, and I'm afraid that if I don't at least have this, I'll never get back whatever tone/healthy benefits/mental health break that that exercise provided me. All the reviews I've read online for the stroller I'm eyeing are by parents of kids closer in age than mine. My backup to Plan B is to have my daughter scooter along side as I push the baby, but like the hiking plan, we won't go as far or as fast as I'd like for getting a good sweat on.

Anyone out there tried to stroller an older kid and a younger kid and had success? Please share your story!

[janasmama]

I think you can certainly expect a 4 year old to hang out in a stroller with a baby. They are siblings and I believe everyone in the family needs to respect each others needs/space. Although a 4 year old may not fully understand this concept it doesn't mean that it cannot be applied with consistency.

I like your idea of having the scooter along. We do similar things to strolling and scooting down to our local park. Last year and earlier this summer my son would only make it down to the park, play for awhile and then we would carry the balance bike back on top of the stroller and he would catch a ride.

Also, when I swing my bigger kids I really put some action into it. Maybe do underdogs or really get my hands up high when I swing them and do a nice squatting movement when I give them their push. Getting the arms up high engages the lats in your back.

We also have merry go rounds which may not be common in your area but I run around that a bit too. You could put the baby in the swing and make sure she is comfy and do some push ups near by. If there is a bench you can even do them on the incline if you need to modify them for ability. Hanging from monkey bars is good for the grip and will test your arm strength and just by moving your body around and experimenting you can find how to engage your core.

Those are just a few ideas. Sometimes I have even put one of my kids up on my shoulders and done some squats or I hold them in my arms in front of me and lift them overhead with straight arms several times while keeping my low back nice and tight.

I hope these spring a few thoughts for you...have fun!!

[physmom]

Another thought... I don't know how much your younger child sleeps but could you do a video during naptime or right after bedtime? Also, when DD was that age (sometimes now still but she's rather join in or attack me during) she liked to watch me to exercise videos.

[Coco_Hikes]

Originally Posted by physmom

Another thought... I don't know how much your younger child sleeps but could you do a video during naptime or right after bedtime? Also, when DD was that age (sometimes now still but she's rather join in or attack me during) she liked to watch me to exercise videos.

Eh, like I wrote in my first post, I 'm not good with videos, and my DD won't let me get through a half-hour or so program without a million requests for a snack, "why are you doing that," etc. I'd rather get outside (fresh air for us all) for a workout.

Thanks, janasmama, for all the tips! We do have a local park with a merry go round and I have noticed it's a great workout to get that thing a-spinning! That park also has a set of parallel bars as part of the playground equipment; I bet I could do some triceps work there. I've actually seen other adults doing so at this particular park. I think we'll go ahead and get the stroller.

[kittywitty]

My 5 yo loves the stroller still, so I don't see why not. It is hard work pushing a double stroller while jogging, though. My girls love joining in on exercise videos and used to jog with me. It makes it so much easier having them "help".

[chiromamma]

I used to push my oldest around in a jogger with her brother when she was 4, he was 2. It was the ONLY way I could get them to nap at the same time.
Once I had 3 kids, the older 2 would bike/scooter while I ran with #3 in a single jogger.

Currently, my youngest (now 8) bikes while I run. He's the best trainer. He cheers me on, tries to be Jillian when I want to flake.


Experiment with what works.

We hike a lot as a family. It can be crazy making when 2 adults are psyched for a hike and the kid just isn't buying it.
Both schools my kids go to integrate hikes and walks into the curriculum. One thing I've learned is to set a theme for the hike...look for flowers of certain colors, fairy glades, how many streams do we cross. We also tell stories...you know the chain story where one person starts.
Your DD is probably too young for this but now we have the kids go through our trail book and pick the hike, set the theme .

I know it's a lot of work and sometimes you just want to work out in peace and sweat. I'm able to do that now. But it'll pass. You'll look back and have sweet memories. So will your kids.

[Nazsmum]

Im so happy that I found this forum. Anyway.....I get up in the morning put my 4yr old and 19 month old in the double stroller and walk for about an hour. They eat breakfast and wake-up and I walk.

I started doing this when my oldest was 1. I don't think that I'm asking to much of them. They get the rest of the day to do what they want.