Jogging with Kids – Tips and Tricks

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The fastest way I lose weight is when I jog. After my second child, it only took me a couple months after jogging regularly to get back to my prepregnancy weight.

Now, when I say jog you might be imagining that I’m running 5k without stopping. That’s not me. I’m not a natural athlete. For me, jogging means running and walking. I’ve heard that it reduces injury and strengthens your endurance, but I just do it because I wouldn’t be able to do more than 5 minutes without keeling over! Plus, I usually go jogging with kids. A lot of kids.

How to go Jogging with Kids

Children are natural runners! Even at age three kids can go quite a long ways without having to stop. However, you’ll want to be sure that your children don’t get injured so there are a few things you’ll want to do first.

Of course the first step is to get them the right shoes. Footwear is so important especially since their body is still growing. If your child is really sore after jogging you might want to consider getting them better shoes.

Also, if you have multiple children like I do, a jogging stroller is a must. I love my new Baby Jogger ® Summit^TM X3 from Babies R Us.

There are so many things I like about it but the best is the easy folding feature. I can fold this thing with one arm and the wheels come off easily too so I can bring it anywhere!

It also has a special feature that allows me to unlock the front wheel without having to do anything except push a lever on the handlebars. So I’ve been using it as a regular stroller too.

If you have a very young baby, you can get an attachment that is sold separately to turn it into a travel system so your infant car seat can go on it too. The hand brake is really handy if I get really ambitious and decide to bring the dog along for a jog also!

Another fun tip for jogging with kids is to let your child push the jogging stroller as you walk, then switch when you start to run again. Remember to have them wear the handy strap so if they fall the stroller doesn’t go anywhere.

Make sure you check the Baby Jogger ® Summit^TM X3 out when you are shopping at your local Babies R Us! Follow Baby Jogger on Facebook for more tips on selecting a jogging stroller.

Next step to jogging with kids is to always stretch. I really need this step the most. I remember running around all the time without having to stretch, but now if I don’t do it before I go out I feel really bad and usually a back injury; I’m getting old. Just 5-10 minutes makes a huge difference.

Finally, the amount your children can jog is largely up to them. If you are using the run/walk method like I do, they can go quite a ways. If they are under three, generally up to 1 mile is a good start. From ages 4-6 two miles, and then after those ages, you’ll want your child to guide you on how much is enough. Let them lead. For a beginning runner like me, jogging with my kids is a perfect buddy system because they help me go a little more than I would on my own, but they don’t push it and are glad to walk when I need to.

Stretching and hydrating after you go jogging with kids is also really important. I usually bring a couple water bottles with me. You might want to try giving your children something a little more hearty to drink afterward. Things like milk and fruit on the side or a smoothie are good ideas.

Have you ever jogged with your kids? Do you think they would like it?