As a parent, you know how challenging finding time to exercise can be, especially when your little ones are younger. Often your days are full of carpooling, cooking, homework, cleaning up, and so much more, making it near impossible to squeeze in a trip to the gym. If you’ve given up attempting to work out, I have some great news; you can still maintain the active, healthy lifestyle you want, even with kids at home! Let’s take a look at some of the innovative, fun, and easy exercise ideas you can do virtually anywhere without the use of traditional gym equipment.
Sneak in extra movement
Yes, it may be harder to fit in exercise when you have a baby, but you can squeeze extra movement throughout your day. Do squats while brushing your teeth. Go for a walk as a family after dinner. Walk when you can, and park further away when you drive. Don’t feel like you have to sit down just because your child is with you.
Multi-Task Your Daily Tasks
You may be surprised to learn you have more time for exercising than you think; you just have to use a bit of creativity. As a parent, you’re already a first-class multi-tasker, so why not harness this superpower and use it to squeeze in small workouts throughout the day? Excellent examples would be doing squats as you brush your teeth, or even lunges as you vacuum. Adding an exercise to a chore you’re already performing is a great way to stay fit without much effort.
Aim for shorter workouts
None of us have the same amount of time as we did before our kids came along. Don’t let lack of time stop you from being fit. Even a short workout can be effective. Shoot for 20 minutes. If you have more time, do a longer session. A few minutes here and a few minutes there can take you from slob to suave.
Play With Your Kids
Have you ever watched kids play on the playground? They unknowingly partake in HIIT training, all while having fun! You’ll notice they chase their friends around for twenty seconds sprinting to get away, climb up the slide and traverse the monkey bars, and are constantly jumping up and down. Joining in with your kids is not only fun for both of you but is the perfect way to work out outside the gym. Play a game of tag, play a sport, go down the slide with them, and give the monkey bars a try. You’ll create special memories while you and your little one stay active.
Go For A Walk
Walking is one of the most underrated exercises, helping you lose body fat and maintain a healthy weight, strengthen muscles and bones, increase energy, and so much more. Bringing your kids along for a walk, whether they’re in a stroller, on their bike or scooter, or walking beside you, is a great way to get moving, soak up some beneficial vitamin D, and enjoy the fresh air.
Try An At-Home Workout
Thanks to platforms like YouTube, TikTok there are hundreds of fun and free at-home workouts available at the touch of a button. You can turn one on during your kid’s naptime or have them join in, allowing you to get a sweat-inducing workout without leaving the house. There are options available that take up as little as ten minutes, ensuring you can squeeze in a workout on even your busiest days.
As a parent, you put your heart into raising your children, but it’s important to remember to prioritize yourself and your health as well. When you feel good, you can be there for your little ones, providing them with all the love and support they need to grow up happy and healthy. Implementing these fun and easy exercise ideas will help you stay fit and feel great so that you can be the best version of yourself!