For many people, when it comes to exercise, the most difficult thing to do is establish a regular schedule. Blocking out the time for your fitness is a challenge and it's an even bigger one when you have children to look after as well. That is why so many people turn to running; not only is it excellent cardiovascular exercise, but it's also easy to establish a running routine. Whether you run very early in the mornings or in the cooler air of the evening is up to you. What matters is that you're spending time on your health! What about your kids, though? Have you ever thought about involving them on your run? Depending on their age, it can be worth considering. Involving your children in your fitness routine is a big shift, though, and for many parents, the idea might be a little scary.
What could you get out of such a significant change in your activity? As a matter of fact, there are some excellent benefits to bringing your kids along on the run. That doesn't mean there aren't challenges, though. Today we will examine the ups and downs, providing you with some helpful information about this option. First, let's take a look at some of the downsides. These are the hurdles you'll need to overcome to make the decision that running with your kids is the right idea. Understanding the challenges that you'll face in an otherwise rewarding activity can assist you in preparing for them and mitigating their effects. So what will you need to think about before you make the decision?
The "Cons" of Running with your Children
- Your Running Schedule May be Disrupted
- Difficulty to Fit into Your Dail Regime
- Your Children May Feel Exhausted Before You
- They May Not Want to Run
You might not always be able to run on your own schedule.
One of the big appeals to running is the freedom it offers to many people. Getting up early in the morning and running through an empty neighborhood can be refreshing as well as good for your fitness. When you choose to run with your children, however, their schedule ? and their energy level ? will do more to determine when you do your miles. If you depend on running alone to recharge your mental batteries, you might need to give up some of those days to run at a different time with the kids. It's a slight trade-off in terms of time.
It can be difficult to find the time to fit in your daily run.
With the preceding facts in mind, figuring out when you're going to get everyone together for a run can be a challenge. The difficulty level will vary a little with age. Younger children, who are less likely to be engaged in lots of after school activities, can be easier to manage. If you're going to run with a jogging stroller, your children are probably young enough that you dictate their schedule instead of the other way around. When sports practices, school clubs, and homework are factors, though, the difficulty grows. Running when the weather is best might not always be an option; be prepared for that.
Your kids might tire out sooner than you.
Once you've practiced for a while, running for some distance becomes easier and easier. Your morning run might easily have crept up beyond two miles if you've been at it for a while. Don't expect to keep up the same pace when your kids are involved, at least not right away. They will need time to build up their endurance, and that can take quite a while! You may never run your full distance with your kids. As a result, you may need to break up your runs. Consider only doing your full run on days when your kids are likely to be too tired to participate.
What if your child doesn't want to run?
Speaking of participation, though, there's always the chance that your kids won't be into the idea at all. Physical fitness can be rewarding, but that doesn't mean it's always exciting ? especially for children. If they are already interested in other physical activities or sports, you could always continue to run alone. If, however, you want to make an effort to get them jogging, there are ways to encourage your children to enjoy running. Try creating incentives or rewards, or creating a competition they can enjoy. Be ready to deal with some resistance, though. If you think you can handle these possible issues, or you know how to work around them, that's great! You're well on your way to a fun and rewarding way to work out. Knowing that you're ready to meet the challenges running with your children presents, what can you expect to get out of the experience? Now let's take a closer look at what makes this such a fun activity.
The "Pros" of Running with your Children
- Spend Quality Time With Them in a Stress-Free Environment
- Encourage Them to Have Lifelong Exercise Habits
- Added Resistance of Younger Children in Prams
It's a chance to spend time in a stress-free environment with your kids.
One of the nicest things about going running with your children is the way it can provide you with a simple, honest way to interact with them. Free from the pressures of the home and out in nature, you can connect with your child in a way you might not be able to otherwise. One author who began a running habit with her son found that it improved her relationship with her son immeasurably. Using running as a way to not only get fit but to also have fun is an excellent way to get outdoors and exercise. Your kids will have fun, and you'll be able to maintain your routine.
You can encourage the formation of lifelong exercise habits.
Every parent wants to ensure that their child grows up strong and healthy. Exercise is a significant factor in lifelong wellness for children. By getting them running early and teaching them about how it can be a fun and relaxing way to exercise, you can create habits they'll always remember. Considering all of the health benefits running affords to children, from improved cardio health to a reduced risk of disease, this is a pretty big positive. Teaching your child that exercise doesn't have to be grueling is the first step to ensuring they never stop exercising.
Running with younger children present the benefits of added resistance.
Just because your child is too young to go running on their own doesn't mean you have to leave them behind. With today's highly mobile jogger strollers, you can take them out with you if they enjoy the experience. Running with a jogger stroller will make things a lot more difficult, but the rewards are well worth it. The stroller adds resistance to your run which can help to develop strength and endurance. When you're giving your baby a chance to see the world going by at the same time, why not give it a try? It's a fun way to stay outdoors until your child is old enough to join you.
Overall, it's a safe and healthy outlet for a child's energy.
Finally, don't overlook the value of running as simply an outlet for all the energy that a child has. Especially if you're a parent to young boys, you probably know just how stir-crazy they can get when they stay inside all the time! Encourage them to have friendly running competitions with you. By the time everyone gets back home from the run, your kids will be tired out! Overall, running with them is fun, socially beneficial, and excellent for their continuing physical fitness. You never know ? maybe they'll be tomorrow's Olympic gold medallist!
Weigh your options and choose what's best for your whole family
On the whole, there are only a few downsides to getting the whole family exercising. If that means bringing the kids out on your next run, though, is entirely up to you. Whether you have active kids with energy to burn or a child who just needs some encouragement, it can be an exciting change to make. Of course, it can also throw a wrench in your own scheduled workout plans. Consider the pros and cons we've discussed carefully, as you decide what path to take. Try bringing them out on one or two days and seeing how it goes. You can decide after your miniature "trial period" if they'll continue enjoying it. If you decide to pound the pavement with your kids, don't forget the running shoes ? and don't forget to enjoy the time you spend exercising together!
