November 30, 1999

Play With The Kids To Boost Your Metabolism

Ask any weight loss expert what is the biggest key to boosting metabolism and chances are they're going to say exercise. Unfortunately, in a crazy workaday world, finding the time to really get up and move is generally a little easier said than done. If you happen to have kids, you're in luck. You can tackle two important projects at once on a daily basis. Just getting up and playing with the kids can help boost metabolism and serve as cardiovascular exercise - and maybe even weight training, too.

The trick in killing both birds with one stone is to find modes of play that really get your heart pumping. Involving the kids is a great idea since they'll see the time as fun, quality family time and they'll even get the idea early that exercise can be fun. It is also possible to work a little weight training into the playtime routine, especially with smaller children.

Here are some ideas that can help you turn playtime into metabolic rate boosting time. Remember, with kids involved, you might want to mix up the routine a bit. They'll get bored with the same bike ride or walk if that's the only option offered day in and day out.

* Basketball. Put a hoop out in front of the garage and enjoy a little one-on-one or two-on-two. Running the length of the driveway over the course of a five-point game can really get your heart pumping. Plus, this is a whole lot of fun. In the big picture, everyone wins, too!
* Swimming. If you have access to a pool, use it! A fun dip in the pool for the kids can turn into some great exercise for you. A few laps a day can very much help with your desire to boost metabolism and loose weight.
* Walking, jogging. Depending on your children's ages, this is a great way to go. Even a simple, leisurely walk can help you toward your end. For better results consider a fast walk or jog with kids in an action stroller or little red wagon. If they're bigger, a brisk walk can help them on the path to better health, too.
* Rough housing. Don't discount how much this can really get the heart pumping. Twenty to 30 minutes of good backyard running around, hoisting the kids up into the air and just goofing off can really count toward exercise. Plus, if you lift the kids enough, it can work as a substitute for a little weight lifting training, as well.

When selecting the right exercises to perform with children along for the ride, keep their ages in mind. Remember, anything that gets your heart pumping well for about 30 minutes at a time is really beneficial. The biggest thing to remember is to pick something that both of you find fun and it won't even seem like you're exercising.

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