While we all know how important exercise is, when you have little kids in the house, it sometimes seems like you time is yourself lowest priority. Between work, making meals and taking care of your young children, it might seem impossible to fit exercise into your schedule. It can be a hassle to exercise with young kids around and finding time to get to the gym or go for a walk means finding a babysitter or asking your spouse or another trusted adult to watch your children for you. However, in spite all the stumbling blocks, it’s important to fit exercise into your schedule. The following tips will help you schedule exercise when you have little kids:
Take advantage of nap time
If your kids are at the age where they take naps, work out at home while they sleep. You have numerous options for working out in your home, even if you don’t have home exercise equipment. If you have a treadmill or stationary bike, use it. Another great option for working out at home is using DVDs. Exercise DVDs offer a wide range of exercises and activities including yoga, step aerobics and working out with weights, all of which you can do at your convenience. Many of these DVDs are divided into sections so you can exercise in 15 or 20 minute blocks throughout the day. You can purchase inexpensive DVDs from eBay or Amazon, or you can try them out by checking them out from your library.
Mom exercising
Take the kids with you
Teach fitness to the whole family by taking the kids with you when you work out. If you have little ones, put them in the stroller and go for a brisk walk. Several companies also make special strollers designed for jogging and running and special attachments that allow your kids to ride behind you in a tent-like wagon while you bike.
Get up early
If you can’t possibly fit exercise in during the day, consider getting up 30 minutes early to go for a jog or bike ride or do an exercise DVD. While it may be difficult for the first couple of days, you’ll soon find you have more energy during the day. It’s also motivation to get to bed earlier the night before.
Invest in home gym equipment
If you can afford it, invest in a treadmill, a stationary bike or another piece of exercise equipment. Put it in the family room and work out while the kids watch a movie, or make it a priority to exercise after you put the kids to bed. If you have the ability to work out on machine in your home, you’re more likely to exercise.
Make it a priority
Perhaps the most important part of fitting in exercise when you have little kids is making it a priority in your life. List the reasons why you want to exercise, whether it’s to lose weight or have more energy to chase the kids. Then, schedule exercise like you would a dentist or other important health-related appointment. When exercise becomes a priority rather than wishful thinking, you’ll find it easier to make time to exercise.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to
There are great workout tips for new mommies on Holosfitness.com. There is even a fitness blog from a trainer who specializes in prenatal and postpartum fitness.
Thanks for bringing attention to moms making fitness a priority! At Stroller Strides, we believe that moms need to take care of themselves first and foremost. We offer nearly 1000 locations nationwide where moms can get in shape, meet other moms and have fun with their babies. Because it’s a walking class, any mom can do it. Our certified instructors will help you achieve all of your fitness goals! Check us out at http://www.strollerstrides.com.