 |
|
|
|
|
 Beat Summer Burn Out
 |
Q: I am getting burnt out by all my Summer workouts: literally and physically. I worry my kids are too (ages 2 and 3 1/2 years).
We have been going to Baby Boot Camp 6 days/week and running, but I need to change it up and don’t know what to do!
I am eager for us to stay active on the long days before the chilly and rainy weather hits. Any ideas for what fitness activities and workouts I can do with both kids?
- Jen C., Portland, OR
A: I applaud you for what you are doing already and also for noticing you are getting a bit burnt out. That can happen for people when they do the same routine in and out, even with every Baby Boot Camp class being a different workout, you NEED to change things up in order to keep it fresh.
This is true for both your physical and mental well-being. Often when people reach the burn out state they opt to stop exercising instead of trying something new. That is what any personal trainer fears for their clients, since getting back on track after stopping activity is harder than staying active but changing up your routine.
When continuing with the same exercise routine, your muscles aren’t challenged. Meaning, the muscle fiber breakdown that helps develop and strengthen your muscles doesn’t occur at the same rate since the muscles are not being pushed to the next level. Thus why cross training is the most effective way for a person’s body to be in the best shape possible.
Activity wise there are many means of exercise you can do with the kids. Switch up your schedule and keep 2-3 days/Baby Boot Camp(exercise class) and 3 days new activities. Some workouts you can do with your children are:
>>Bike riding with your kids in a bike trailer. It is not only an intense workout for you, the kids will enjoy going faster and rolling through the city with you.
Try to keep 1-2 days each week as your Adventure Days when your kids can pick the location, and you have to ride there.
Make a list of 5 locations that are at least a 10-15 mile round trip from your house. It could be a different beach, park location, Children’s Museum, Zoo, or pool. If you don’t have a bike trailer you can rent one from many athletic stores or buy one resale. Check out craigslist.org for great used gear!
>>Get tech savvy and download some fitness strength applications or exercise videos to your iPhone or laptop.
Take to your backyard and for the entire 45 minutes workout everyone has to be moving. In between the strength exercises do 1 minute jumping jacks, 1 minute running in place, 1 minute hopping in place and 1 minute Jack Squats.
Your kids can do it with you, or keep active and run around the backyard. More often than not they are eager to move with you. Some Fitness Applications are: iFitness, 100 pushups, or...
>>Enroll your kids in swimming lessons at a pool that has lap swimming for adults. Most swimming lessons are sans parents by age two. While your kids are in a swimming lesson give yourself that 30 minute window to swim laps or aqua jog.
Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise and works the entire body, especially your back and core.
>>Take your jogger to the TRAILS. Explore the trails where you live and go on nature hunts with your kids. Print up and laminate a list of animals and birds that are local to the area. Bring dry erase pens, binoculars, notebook, crayons and snacks. While you are running your kids have to search for the animals, check off what they see and draw them.
AS you are running, work intervals into each mile to work on speed.
Sprint between trees, logs, other joggers. Ask your kids to count to 20 as you speed up, and 20 as you jog down. Repeat 10 times. Map the distance and track your miles at www.mapmyrun.com
By incorporating new workouts you will feel invigorated again. Your body will feel stronger for your Baby Boot Camp workouts. But most of all, you are being an active role model with your children and teaching them to stay fit and healthy instead of stopping exercise when bored by trying new workouts and sports. That is beyond important and one of the best Summer Adventures you could have.
Good luck! -Erin
|
|
|