Getting the kids off the Couch

I agree Mariah!

The marathon I am running in September also has a kid's marathon and I think it is a wonderful idea! They basically have to run 25 miles over the course of the summer and then run the final 1.2 miles with all the other kids participating. I think...

That sounds like an awesome idea Amy!  That is one incrediable way of getting the kids off the couch!  

Wow, that is a problem! Are you feeding him Miracle Grow? Hmmm....I guess mine grow so slowly, it's a lot easier.

trouble is the blighters grow so fast - he's grown 6 inches in the last year.... Soon be taller than me!

I just found out our local marathon has a kids program. They run a 12 week training program (we signed the whole family up and we run as a group). In May, they can run a cross country race to complete their 26 miles. What a fantastic way to get...

What works for my family, is when I find trunks that my sons like that are priced reasonably, I buy them in 2 sizes so I know they will last a full year.

I have run with my 5 yr old but a mile is about his limit. Physically he could run all day but with kids it's the boredom. Going to enroll him for a kids mud run in the summer. It'll give him something to work towards and he will love it.

Both 5...

I wonder how much true free time they get.   Although they seem well able for the track they are still pre teens and their bodies still aren't fully developed.   The 2.16 is a great time.  

Take it from a 14 year old, too much is when they are limping in pain other than the pain of exercise and they have no, and I mean NO will to do it at all, it shouldn't be depressing but it shouldn't be more fun that...

You do have a point Gemma, I can agree with you.  Maybe something more their age...

mmmm this is a hard one....personally i dont think kids should be racing with adults,its dangerous,plus i feel a marathon distance is too far for a child...if they are enjoying it then brilliant but they have plenty...

Me neither!  Their story reminds me when I was growing up.  Now there are news stories that make me raise an eyebrow when you see the actions of the parents in their children sports.   

That's very true Jarod, good point. We don't know the whole story based on that little segment. I'm not trying to judge the parents. I guess this program shocked me. I agree the girls' gift for running is great, j...

Well one thing I noticed, the parents equal each other out.  The father drives the girls but I don't see the extreme.  The mother on the other hand encourges the girls that running isn't everything.  I really can not...

I'm all for getting kids off the couch, getting them outside and being active WITH them. I recently saw this video and was torn. Please watch and tell me what you think. I believe the girls are achieving great things, but at what emotional cost...

I recently bribed my daughter who does no exercise. She wanted me to buy something for her  and I would only buy it if she went on the exercise bike for half an hour 3 times a week. She's doing this now while watching the telly . Better than being...

My sons play youth football and I like to run and walk so I've been taking them out on trails. Just walking to start them out, but I want to get them into some cross country running with me. It will help them in football. I love the conversations...

I've done karate all my live and lead quite an active lifestyle. this has definitely rubbed off on the kids...  Always try and do things as a family... get everyone involved, this normally gets the ball rolling. Weekends we really encourage the ki...

Technically this lift was providing less resistance than a bodyweight exercise, the weight is only 12kg, and the kid wouldn't be able to practice speed, technique balance and agility in the same way for this sport with bodyweight exercises. 

I think that if you want your kid to get fit and strong that's a good ethic as a parent, but what's wrong with body weight exercises? It'll increase at an appropriate rate for the child's size, age and fitness levels. 

Ah sorry 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt61NHhoefo   this was my video

I didnt show this video.... Sean did

Today we've been discussing what age you should start serious training. It all started when @adrian showed the strongest boy in the world (age 4) squatting and doing olympic lifts (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMx7rDE4m0w&feature=fvwrel) To me,...

I found another activity today that they both embraced - caving, of all things. Now I'm not great in confined spaces so it really got the heart pumping. My daughter was a little concerned and took a little gentle persuasion - she had a whole heap...

Thanks Nick, good advice, getting the kids involved sounds so lovely but yes, they need to find what they enjoy too.  Ocean yacht racing sounds fun :)