It's a Family Affair

Got kids? I do, too. And believe me, I know how trying it can be to fit in a regular workout when they're around. Kids will almost effortlessly manage to pull you away from whatever you're trying to accomplish and can put the kibosh on a workout faster than you can say, "MOM!!" But that's still no excuse not to exercise.

I'm fortunate that my husband's parents live with us. The multigenerational arrangement is beneficial for all of us: my in-laws stay young because they're around the kids a lot, the kids learn from their grandparents' pearls of wisdom on a daily basis, and my husband and I get to share many wonderful family moments directly with my in-laws (plus, the free babysitting isn't bad either!). The arrangement has allowed my husband and me to take long walks together for exercise many weekend mornings. But recently, we've begun to take the girls with us on hikes and long walks, bike rides, roller-skating and such. And it's enriched our relationship with them.

You can do the same thing with your kids, no matter what their age. Still in a stroller? Strap them in and take them for a brisk walk or even a run. I have a friend who runs with her toddler in the jogging stroller and gets an amazing workout--it's hard work pushing that thing in addition to your own weight! Or maybe there's an exercise your kids like to do that you've been wanting to try. No time like the present. (That's what got me to try rock-climbing!)

The point is, make exercise fun and make it a priority for you AND your family, and you'll be doing double good: getting in the workout for you and spending quality family time with them. No excuses!