All In The Family

Workouts you can do with your kids, and even with the family dog.
Health and Life Magazine,
Allinthefamily

Once upon a time, parenthood was the perfect excuse for skimping on fitness. Who has the time to work out when your workday involves caring for kids, right? You asked, and the fitness community listened—and responded with workouts you can do with your kids, and even with the family dog.

  • Dance. Dancing comes naturally to even the youngest children—and dancing together is a great way to boost family fitness. Where: Parent/ Child Dance (for children ages 2 to 3 and parents), The Little Gym of Livingston, 4215 Town Center Way, Livingston, 973.422.1722, tlglivingstonnj.com. The Little Gym of Roxbury, 470 Rt. 10 West, Ledgewood, 973.537.0990, tlgroxburynj.com
  • Stroller Workouts. Stroller Strides classes include power walking as well as strength and body exercises, in a fun social environment. Where: Stroller Strides, Moms of Morris and Livingston, 203.253.1757, nicolec@fit4mom.com, livingston-morris.fit4mom.com/locations
  • Family Yoga. Get fit and have fun in a playful yoga class you can do with children ages 3 to 7. Where: South Mountain Yoga, 18 South Orange Ave., 2nd fl., South Orange, 973.763.4433, southmountainyoga.com
  • Hiking. Strap your babe in a carrier and get outdoors for a hike, guided by a naturalist. Where: Baby and Me Hikes, every Tuesday yearround in various Morris County parks, 973.635.6629, morrisparks.net (click on “Calendar”)
  • Yoga with Rover. A class called “Doga” provides a unique experience for you and your best buddy. If yoga calms you down, imagine how blissed-out you’ll be when you practice your downward dog in tandem with your actual dog. Where: Morris K9 Campus, 1 Aspen Dr., Randolph, 973.252.5100, morrisk9campus.com (click on “Specialty Classes”)
  • Walking the dog. Research shows that not only do dog owners walk more consistently than their non-dog–owning peers; they also walk better: A University of Missouri study, for instance, discovered that folks who walked with their dogs increased walking speed by 28 percent over a 12- week period, compared to only 4 percent for folks who walked with other humans. Bring your kids along for a whole-family workout.
Categories: Health & Beauty Features, Homepage Features, Morris/Essex Health & Life