Working Out with Kids

As many of you know, my wife and I recently found out that we are expecting twins! This means that we will have 4 kids under the age of 4 by this September (your prayers are welcomed)! :) Even though we have little ones at home (and more to come), finding time to exercise still happens. Our children are not an excuse for us to become physically lazy. In fact, just the opposite is true. We need to stay physically active in order to keep up with them!

So, how does one make the time that's needed to exercise regularly with children?

1) Find ways to exercise with your kids.

Cardio: For example, when the weather is nice, I often take my kids out on a run with a jogging stroller. It's a great way to get a lot of good cardio with some extra resistance! In addition, my children get the chance to get out of the house and enjoy a fun ride at the same time. We tend to run to the park (20 minutes there), play on the playground (15-20mins) and then run back (20 mins back).

Resistance Training: Sometimes your children can work well as "resistance" with your training exercises. Try doing pushups with a kid on your back (not for babies!) or ab exercises holding your child on your upper torso while you do crunches or on your legs when you do leg raises. Do squats with your child(ren) on your back.

Even spending time just playing with your kids burns more calories than sitting in front of your computer or watching tv! So, take the time to go outside and go sledding or play ball or swing on the swings! It's a great way to spend time together and get some exercise!

2) Hire a babysitter.

Have your child(ren) spend time with their friends while you goto the gym. Hiring a babysitter so that you can give your body 30-60 minutes of work is worth it! In order for you to be the best parent that you can be, you need to give yourself the time that you need to keep your body running at it's fullest capacity! A lot of fitness centers these days have childcare right there or some other form of childhood entertainment so that you can get some exercise in. Most of the time, I find that my kids really enjoy the time that they spend at the gym while I am working out because they do a lot of fun games and activities.


Whichever way you work it, there is a way to get in and stay in great shape with children. Don't use your children as an excuse to fail! Instead, use them as your reason to succeed in fitness!

But Jesus said "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heavan belongs to those who are like these children." Matthew 19:14 (NLT)