Get a Little Active with Your Kids in Austin

One Mom's Thoughts

The challenge: In a time when there are so many dual working-parent families meshed with homework, the work commmute, video games and all-day cartoon availabliltiy, it's often hard to find the time, inclination and/or money to get my family to put in any kind of physical workout during the week. While our schools certainly help with P.E. and some outdoor activities, it just doesn't seem enough. During the work week, when everyone gets home from school or jobs, there's still dinner to fix and eat, homework to conquer and baths to be taken. What else CAN you do?

I have many friends that do the gym workout during the work day -- but between the drive getting there and back (which requires gas and time both ways), I'm already down a few bucks and have overtaxed my lunch "hour." Exercise is supposed to relieve stress, but in this case -- I'm worried that I was gone too long and I haven't even had lunch yet! -- not so much. And, this alone would still leave the kids with no physical outlet.

So, for the kids, many parents sign them up for a local sport (which I've actually done with my son this year -- maybe that will be another story) but what if your schedule or pocketbook just doesn't permit? Then what?

And then there are the weekends. They are filled with some wonderful things, but not necessarily exercise -- church activities, birthday parties, sleeping late (if you're lucky), house chores, grocery shopping, football, date nights and more. And, living in Texas, once it's past Noon there's a good chance it's too hot to try anything outdoors. You blink an eye and the opportunities have past.

The answer:
So, here's what I've found that works for me (and the exercise is completely FREE!)