As a parent, you will find yourself faced with a never-ending and ever-evolving list of things to do.
Exercise might not be at the top of your list, but here’s why it should be: “According to general results, exercise enhances mood and self-esteem while decreasing stress tendencies, a factor known to aggravate mental and physical diseases. Studies show that people who exercise regularly have a better frame of mind,” National Library of Medicine.
Don’t worry though, we’re here to help! Here are a few ways to make working out with little ones a little less daunting and a lot more fun:
Get your kiddos involved: It’s not always practical to have alone time away from your kids. So instead, have them join in on the exercise with you! Start doing activities that are fun for both of you. Jumping rope, dancing to music or playing tag — the opportunities are endless! This is a great way to sneak in some cardio while also keeping your children entertained and active. Yoga is another great low-intensity workout that will help you build strength. You can get your kids involved pretty early as they’ll be able to copy some of the easier moves and join you in the fun.
Use nap time: Take advantage of the small windows of time when your kiddo is napping to get in a workout. Look on YouTube for a quick 10 or 15-minute activity that you can do in your home. It doesn’t have to be a long workout to be a good workout! In fact, a 2022 study “linked 15 minutes of weekly physical activity to extended longevity.” To step up your game and increase the difficulty of your workout, you can get a few small hand weights or resistance bands to keep around. Workouts don’t always have to involve a gym — realistically you don’t even have to leave your house!
Utilize stroller time: If you enjoy running or going on long walks, take advantage of getting out with your child in a stroller. Jogging strollers are a great option for going on runs with your child. Other strollers are perfect for long walks with the whole family, or simply going for a lap around the block. Look for local stroller workout groups near you — you can often find them on social platforms like Facebook or Instagram. They’re a great, FREE resource for meeting other parents in the area. Getting your steps in can become a relaxing and peaceful part of your daily routine and not something to stress about.
Make use of your surroundings: A trip to the playground with your kids is a great opportunity to not only have some fun but to fit some exercise in! Some of the playground equipment can be used to your advantage — for instance, monkey bars make a great pull-up bar and benches are great for step-ups. A trip to your local park for a game of catch or shooting a basketball into the hoop are both great activities if your children are old enough.
It’s okay if you can’t fit exercise into every day of your routine! Being a parent is hard, time-consuming work and sometimes other things will inevitably come first. But when you’re able, there are plenty of ways to make it fun and enjoyable for both you and your kiddo!