How to Stay Active with Your Kids and Make Fitness Fun

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As a mom, I’m always looking for ways to stay active while spending quality time with my daughter, Journey. At six years old, she’s full of energy and loves trying new things, so I’ve had to get creative with ways to combine fitness and fun. Here are some ideas we’ve tried (and loved!) to stay active together while making memories.

1. Turn Playtime into Workout Time

Kids love to play, and it doesn’t take much to make their games into a workout for you, too! One of our favorite things to do is play tag at the park. Journey gets a kick out of "chasing mommy," and I get my heart rate up running around. Another favorite is obstacle courses – we use whatever we have on hand, like jump ropes, cones, and hula hoops, to create challenges. It’s amazing how much running, jumping, and crawling can feel like a workout when you’re having fun.

2. Incorporate Fitness into Daily Routines

Sometimes, we turn everyday moments into mini fitness sessions. For instance, when we’re waiting for dinner to cook, we’ll have a dance-off in the kitchen. Journey loves showing off her moves, and it’s impossible not to laugh and join in. We’ve also made a game out of walking the dog by seeing who can count the most birds or spot the most colorful flowers during our strolls.

3. Try Kid-Friendly Fitness Classes or Videos

I’ve discovered that there are so many great online resources for kid-friendly yoga, Zumba, or workout videos. Journey and I love doing yoga together. She’ll giggle through the poses, especially ones with funny names like "downward dog," but it’s a great way for us to stretch and relax together. Plus, it’s a good introduction for her to mindful movement.

4. Explore the Outdoors

Some of the best ways to stay active are also the simplest. We love going on nature walks or hikes. Journey has a little backpack where she collects rocks, leaves, or other treasures, and we’ll talk about the different things we see along the way. On warmer days, we’ll head to the nearest splash pad or pool. Swimming is great exercise for both of us, and it’s always a hit with her.

5. Get Competitive (In a Fun Way)

Sometimes, a little friendly competition motivates both of us. We’ve had "jump rope challenges" to see who can do the most jumps or "sprint races" in the backyard. Journey always ends up laughing (and usually wins), but it’s a great way to sneak in cardio while bonding.

6. Create Family Fitness Goals

To keep things exciting, we’ve started setting fitness goals as a family. For example, we’ll challenge ourselves to take a certain number of steps each day or complete a fun run together. Journey loves having a "goal chart" to mark off her progress, and it’s a good reminder for me to stay consistent, too.

7. Remember to Have Fun

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that staying active with your kids isn’t about doing it perfectly – it’s about creating opportunities to move and enjoy time together. There are days when we end up just kicking a ball around or playing hide-and-seek, and that’s okay. The key is to make it fun and keep it lighthearted.

Staying active with Journey has not only helped me stay fit, but it’s also strengthened our bond and created memories I’ll cherish forever. Whether it’s a high-energy game of tag or a calming yoga session, I hope these ideas inspire you to get moving with your little ones, too. Fitness can be fun when it’s shared with the ones you love most!

As you explore ways to stay active with your kids, don’t forget to make it enjoyable for everyone involved. The best activities are the ones that bring smiles and laughter while keeping you moving. To make your family fitness adventures even more fun, here are a few products that Journey and I love using:

Adjustable Jump Ropes: Perfect for jump rope challenges and obstacle courses.

Mini Backpacks: Great for nature hikes and treasure hunts. Journey loves filling hers with rocks and leaves!

Yoga Mats for Kids: A must-have for yoga sessions. Look for mats with fun patterns that kids will love.

Outdoor Cones and Bean Bags: Portable cones and bean bags are amazing for creating obstacle courses.

Waterproof Fitness Trackers: These are fun for kids to track their steps and encourage movement.

With the right tools and mindset, staying active with your kids can be a joyful and rewarding experience. So, grab some gear, head outside, and make fitness a family affair!