Living at the Rec Center

Tim and I have been exercising faithfully for more than a year now, and I decided it was time to get the kids in on the action. I figure if they make it a habit now, it'll be easier to continue as they get older. That's the idea, anyway. I decided that I would take the kids to the rec center after school three times a week, and have them walk and run. The idea is to do one lap for every year you are old (6 1/2 laps= 1 mile). So Annie does less than a mile, and Rebekah does 2 miles. That seems to be about the right distance. They did great the first time, and then started complaining... so I had to come up with some motivation.

I let the kids choose a reward. The first time, they chose ice cream cones at Macey's. I told them we needed 100 laps (all together, not individually). When we got to 100, they got ice cream. Next, they chose a scoop of bulk candy each (again from Macey's- they had the idea walking past the bulk bins on the way out with ice cream cones). That one cost 300 laps.
Now we're working on a trip to the swimming pool- 400 laps.

They're doing great, and don't like to miss, because it prolongs the time before the next reward. My favorite part is seeing their abilities increase- they can run way more now than when they started.

Annie is a blast to run with- she giggles the whole way.

Ethan, worn out on his last lap!

Rebekah on the stair climber... that thing is brutal!

Josh and Price on the treadmills.

Emma- all worn out.

The other thing I have learned in this adventure is that I have to go and walk/run WITH them- I can't go and try to do my own workout. I just get frustrated, and end up with kids calling into the weight room needing me. Now, I go in the morning, and take the kids in the afternoon. That does mean that I go to the rec center 9 times a week. Kind of insane, but it's working for me for now. When the weather gets nicer, it won't be so often.