When my kids were little, we did all the things from bike rides to games of “horse” to local 5K races. Now that both of my kids are young adults, my early morning athletic requests do not get much enthusiasm. What’s a mom to do? Well, I take my opportunities when I can and trick my family into exercising with me. How do I do that?
How I trick my family into exercising with me
As I mentioned, our kids are now young adults with their own schedules and agendas. When we are all together on family vacations, that’s the easiest way to trick my family into exercising with me. Earlier this summer on our epic trip to The Maldives and Singapore, we had numerous opportunities for athletic adventures.
My son and I went snorkeling a few times right off of our bungalow in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. We had a fantastic time exploring the beautiful reefs and colorful fish.
On that same trip, my daughter and I took advantage of our jet lag and enjoyed the sun rise yoga classes together. We also “hung around” for the aerial yoga class.
We all took advantage of the island lifestyle and rode our bike cruisers around all day long.
Admittedly, getting my husband to participate in athletic endeavors is a little more challenging. He is, and has always been, my biggest supporter though. My best bet to get him out there is also on vacation. Most recently, we had a scenic hike in Maroon Bells, Aspen as well as a wild water water rafting adventure.
We all really look forward to our family trips and adventures together. As your kids get older, that is often the best time to partake in active adventures together.
About 4 years ago, I somehow convinced the hubs to let me train him for a couch to 5K run. I documented our 3 month training in my “Husband Project” series. I know he hated every step of it, but he was a good sport and completed the Jingle All The Way with me and my son.
Hmm maybe I can somehow trick my family into running it with me again this year! Do you ever trick your family into exercising with you?
Linking up with Kim, Zenaida, Debbie and Marc
I remember the Husband Project! Such a fun idea and your husband was a good sport.
He was a good sport! I don’t think he has run a step since then!
I love that you trained your hubby for a 5K! I’m going to go back and read “The Husband Project”.
Thanks for linking up with us!
It was fun at the time (for me anyway ha ha). I don’t think he has run a step since then!
Sometimes you have to trick people into exercising! I trick Alex by saying I’m going to take Bailey to a big park for a walk and he usually will come with. Not the most strenuous activity but it gets us both moving!
Yes it still counts and it seems to work!
Hahaha, awww, this is cute! I have to trick my parents (mostly my mom) into being active with me—usually in the form of walks in the park!
Yes exactly! Sometimes we have to be creative for their own good
Very clever!! Fitness is out there, everywhere, it’s just a matter of taking advantage of it, right?
Yes indeed!
Sometimes you gotta trick them into exercise! Love your tips and tricks to do that.
They may on to my tricks now!
Those look like great tricks to me! I’d jump in for any of that any time!
Come join us!
I love your tricks. Lol at first my daughters were apprehensive on working out but now they have fully adopted it and often get me out the door. My husband has been a gym rat since I met him so now he’s happy the whole family joins him.
That is fantastic to hear! I love it
You’re very good at tricking your family! I love getting to be active on vacation. Fortunately, my husband is always up for an adventure, so I hope we find some good hiking and biking while we’re in Europe!
I am sure you both will have a fantastic time! Enjoy
That photo of you and your daughter doing aerial yoga is great! When my kids were little, hubby and I used to take them on “forced marches” through the woods (their name for our hikes). Now, they are all outdoors people, hiking, backpacking, and even camping (which I hate). The only one who runs, though is my middle son. Just couldn’t pass on my love of running to the other 2.
I am hoping there is still time to get at least one of them to like running. I was a late adopter myself!
I love these tips! I am looking forward to active activities with my daughter when she grows up. Hopefully she’ll be excited about them!
I hope so too! It’s great bonding
I love it! I trick my kids into exercising with me too. All of these pictures are great too!!
Sometimes you have to!
I love it! My husband is incredibly active, and so are my kids. BUT every now and then they need coaxing – preteen boys definitely love their video games!
Yes it gets a lot more tricky when they are older and everyone has their own activities.
For my husband basically it has to be something scenic. Because photography is his hobby. He doesn’t really enjoy hiking or walking for its own sake — even when he walks the dogs, he’s trying to rush the poor things through it — but if it’s somewhere he can stop and take photos, he’s in.
I keep trying to get him to understand that regular exercise will make those rarer hikes easier – and he could go further and find places not as many people get to. I think they’re probably way worse than kids! Big kids, right?
OH yes your hubs sounds a lot like mine!
Haha! Love this post. You guys have done so many fun activities together. I would love to take my kids rafting!
Thanks I do try to keep it fun. It gets harder as they get older and they are into their own things
This is great! And I love the catchy title. I also love how you make it all about having fun instead of focusing on exercise.
Yes I do think it has to be fun for them to want to participate
that’s so cute, i think i will try with my family haha
Good luck!