Believe me I do understand how hard it is to fit exercise into the busy and hectic schedule of any mom.  As mom’s, sometimes we need to think outside the box when it comes to exercise.  Is it a written rule somewhere that exercise has to be at the gym, or taking a run for an hour?  Check out some of these fun and child friendly exercise ideas that also will not break the bank.

Do you love to Dance? Crank up the music – make sure it has a fast beat so you’ll really build up a good sweat.  To do this, you might want to take a little time and make a mix CD first, the more fast songs, from different genre’s the more fun you can your family will have.  The kids won’t care what the lyrics are – they’ll love jumping, hopping, running in place and just dancing around the room.  Don’t want your neighbor’s to see you?  The close the curtains, but don’t’ use that as an excuse!

Do you have a pool in your yard?  Or does a friend? If so, then get swimming!  Put your younger children in floating gear and swim with them from one end of the pool to the other.  This will increase the benefits of swimming, as you are not just moving your body though the water.

Build a simple obstacle course.  Help your children set up an obstacle course around the yard or inside the house.  Climb over things, crawl under other, swing from the swing set, hop into rings, jump rope, throw a ball, or carry something for a few ideas.  Be creative.  If the obstacle course is too easy for you, then don’t use your hands.  The kids will love building this and using it to.

Don’t knock the Videos. Exercise videos are a great way to get a good sweat in with your children.  They will enjoy trying to do the video and you will reap the benefits.  Don’t be surprised if the children fade in and out of the video, just keep some games, puzzles or other toys close by so they can play when they are taking a break.

Field Ball Head out to a field, local park or other open space with a soccer or kickball.  Have the kids kick the ball and race them to see who can get to it first.  Then kick it again, repeat till all are tired out.  This is a great way to get some short bursts of cardio, helping to increase your resistance, and giving your heart and lungs a workout.

Visit the Track Take the kids to the local track, preferably one that is fenced in.  Let them play Frisbee, tag, or other game in the middle, while you walk, jog or run around the outside.  The kids will have a blast and so will you.  Invite a friend or two, so you’ll have someone to talk to and the kids will have friends to play with.

Take a hike! That’s right, head out on the local walking or hiking trails with the kids.  They will enjoy the nature aspect and you can get that much appreciated exercise in.

Mom’s often use their children as the reason they cannot fit exercise into their schedules.  No more excuses!  Get up off that couch and get moving!  Leave a comment sharing your other great exercise tips and tidbits with our readers.