As we discussed last blog post, exercise has so many benefits – not only for physical health but for mental health too! One of the many benefits of exercise is relieving stress and tension which is especially important for parents. While it may feel challenging to find time to exercise when you have kids, it’s important to make time for self-care. We’ve compiled a list of five ideas to help you brainstorm some easy ways to incorporate exercise into your routines as a parent!
1. Biking, Hiking, Walking
A great and easy way to incorporate exercise into your routine as a parent is to pick an activity that your kids can do with you! Biking is a popular choice for many families because kids like to bike! However, there are so many other family exercises to try out. Going for a long walk around the neighborhood or finding a good local hike are great choices too. For those with younger children, put your kids in the stroller and go for a walk or run! If you’re not into doing a workout outdoors with your family, there are plenty of online resources like YouTube that provide guided family workouts.
Additional Resources:
Family Exercise Ideas for Every Season
Family Fitness Ideas Beyond the Gym
Workouts for Every Stage of Parenthood
2. While the Kids are Watching TV
If you or your kids aren’t into the idea of working out together, consider taking advantage of the times when they’re plopped in front of the TV, distracted. While everyone is watching a TV show or a movie, you can get a full workout in! Since you’ll be working out at home, you could invest in workout equipment like a stationary bike, a treadmill, or something simpler like workout bands or dumbbells. You can also look for bodyweight exercises – they’re surprisingly challenging too!
Additional Resources:
At Home Exercise Routines for Busy Parents
How to Exercise with Your Kids: Work Out as a Family
10 Ways to Keep Your Kids Busy While You Workout
3. Early Mornings/Late Nights
If you have kids, you already know that getting time alone is rare. However, if time alone is what you need to work out, mornings or nights are your best bet. If your family has a set schedule, block off the times you know your kids will be asleep so you can exercise. This also makes it easier for you to stay in the habit of working out because it fits into your routine! If you have an easier time getting things done in the morning but find yourself exhausted by the end of the day, it probably makes more sense to work out in the morning. If you’re a night owl, shoot for after the kids have gone to bed. No matter what, make a commitment to yourself and stick to it. Remember: when it comes to working out, something is better than nothing.
Additional Resources:
The Busy Mom’s Exercise Schedule
12 Great Morning Workouts that will Kickstart Your Day
4. Gym
If you’re a parent who loves going to the gym, we’ve got you covered! Lucky for you, there are plenty of gyms that provide childcare. Just Google “gym with childcare near me.” Some gyms, like the YMCA, also offer family exercise classes so keep that in mind if you’re looking to get out of the house, break a sweat, and keep your kids active. Those types of classes can also be a great way to meet other parents, especially if you’re a single mom or a single dad. If you need some quick gym workout ideas be sure to check out the first article below!
Additional Resources:
Gym Workout for Beginners: 9 Moves for a Full Body Workout that Promises Results
5. Get Creative
As a parent, sometimes you have to be flexible, especially if you have young kids. You may not have time for the gym or your kids may be too young to work out with you. You may have a neverending list of household chores that take priority. In those cases, it’s time to get creative. If you’re folding laundry, do squats. If you’re tidying up the house, do an extra set or two up the stairs each time you make a trip. A lot of household chores like vacuuming, mopping, and sweating will get your heart rate up which means they can count as exercise – two birds with one stone! You can also consider breaking up your workouts. If you can only squeeze in five minutes here and 10 minutes there, that’s okay. If you do that a few times throughout the day, you’ll get a good 30-45 minutes of working out in! When all else fails, you can resort to a fun and lively dance party with your kids, which will tire everyone out.
Additional Resources:
10 Household Chores that Burn as Many Calories as a Workout
Mini Workouts that Work Your Whole Body
Try your best!
Working out when you have kids can be challenging, but it will help your sanity! When it comes to fitting exercise into your daily or weekly routine, the first step is to commit. After that, stay as consistent as possible while also knowing life is bound to disrupt your routine. When all else fails, don’t be afraid to get creative! Have a weekly family dance-off, go for a hike, and get your lunges in as you vacuum. The benefits to exercise are endless for your mental and physical health and establishing exercise as a priority is a great example to set for your kids too! If you still aren’t sold on the idea of exercise, check out our latest blog post that outlines why exercise is important for your mental health and how to get started!
