If you are a busy home school family, you may wonder how to exercise and home school. The average person has a hard time making exercising part of their routine. Homeschooling families sometimes are so busy trying to make sure that they hit all their academic and social goals that exercising may be neglected.

My family is no exception. We have to plan time for exercising. It doesn't happen on its own.

This week, we've driven over a hundred miles per day trying to meet all of our obligations. It seems that the end of the school year can be chock full of opportunities, making it even harder than the rest of the year. Still, we were able to make exercising a priority.

Strategy 1

While one child is at an activity, take the other kids to a near by park. I used this strategy today while my 6th grade son was at a home school band practice. My other kids got an extra hour of exercising in compared to sitting in the car or grocery shopping- which is what we often do if the weather makes the playground dangerous.

A similar strategy is to take the kids to a playground between errands. If there isn't enough time to make going back home worth while between errands, a park will be a great place to visit. If I choose to do this, I sometimes surprise my kids by driving there without advanced notice. I will often give them clues as to what the surprise is and have them guess. This adds to the adventure.

Parks are a great idea because the children are exercising while climbing ladders, swinging, etc. I also get out there and join them. It's as good of a work out as found at any gym, only it's free and a lot more fun! The added benefit is that I am having quality time with my kids and making memories.

Strategy 2

While you're making one of the daily meals, have your child(ren) practice doing some exercises that you have previously taught them. For instance, my kitchen is designed to let me see into the living room while I cook. My kids could practice doing sit ups, push ups, leg lifts and other training exercises.

Strategy 3

In my state, any home school or charter school student can join a regular brick-and-mortar school's after school club. If a local school has an exercise group, have them join. You may pay slightly higher fees compared to the kids that attend the school, but it still should be cheaper than parks and recreation sports.

My kids attend a running club that prepares them for cross country in the fall as well as track and field in the spring. They love it because there are meets where kids from other schools run, too. Each child is encouraged to do their best. The scores are posted online so that they can keep track of their progress. Essentially, they can compete against themselves by seeing if their times improve from one meet to the next.

Strategy 4

Call your local YMCA. They often have home school and after school programs where children are taught how to eat healthy and the same exercises found in a regular public school. At one of the many local YMCA campuses near my family, they have a program called Y-Active, formerly Kid Fit, that does just that. It is free due to a grant that the YMCA receives. My kids really enjoy that program, as well as the fruit that is offered as a snack to show the children what healthy eating is all about.

Strategy 5

Get a group of home school families together to meet at a park or other recreational area. As a group, decide what kind of exercises you'd like your kids to learn and practice. Set up a schedule as well as an alternate day in the event of in-climate weather.

Strategy 6

The other strategies were mostly geared toward children getting exercise. One way that I get some exercise and alone time is to get up between half and hour to an hour and a half earlier than the kids do. Then, I take a walk. I usually do this once it is light outside by 6 AM, which means I limit this strategy to spring, summer and fall. One summer, I did this I found that I lost about 30 pounds. My main goal wasn't to lose weight, but to feel great. I also was able to deal with the stresses that came each day.

Conclusion

Even if your homeschooling schedule is hectic, there are some strategies for making exercising a priority. It is important to allow for some flexibility to your home school schedule because you might find yourself visiting a park between errands rather than going home for a brief time or sitting in the car waiting for the next activity to start. Remember to make it fun!