Wellness Wednesday: Make Playtime Workout Time

Exercise is an extremely important element to getting fit and healthy for the entire family! Today on “Wellness Wednesday,” I would like to focus on family friendly exercises!

Being a mother of three, I am always trying to squeeze in exercise between children and chores. It isn’t always easy, but there are many gyms who offer childcare while you workout. However, if you’re can’t fit a trip to the gym into your busy schedule, working out with your children not only teaches them healthy values, but can help you torch a few extra calories yourself.

Here are a few exercises you can do with your children.

Walking: Just walking at a slow pace alone can burn 81 calories every thirty minutes. You can burn more than that by pushing a stroller, if your children are younger. You can also up the ante on your workout by wearing a pair of walking shoes specifically designed to tone your butt and legs. Not only will you be kissing some calories goodbye, but being out in the fresh air and sunshine is beneficial to both you and your children. Your body takes in vitamin D through sunlight which helps your body to properly absorb calcium!

Dancing: Putting in a child friendly CD and just cutting a rug with your children for a half an hour can burn up to 145 calories. Go ahead, get silly! The more you move, the more you burn! It’s fun for everyone, plus it’s time to bond with your kids while still getting toned!

Swimming: On a hot day, there is nothing better than a refreshing dip, so grab your sunscreen and head for the pool. Swimming with your children is great exercise and a chance to make some awesome summer memories. Swimming can burn up to 227 calories every thirty minutes! Plus, it’s an entire body workout and you don’t even know you’re sweating!

So there you have it…a few great exercises to do with your family while burning those pesky ice cream calories!

~Amy~

Photo: flickr.com/photos/jemsweb/5509275