How many different ways can we come up with for busy parents of small children to squeeze a workout into their day?
Get up early & work out. Do a DVD at nap time. Run to the store, ride the bus home with milk eggs & bread. Do an extra 4 sets every time you have to go up or downstairs to fetch something. Bike commute instead of driving to work. Kid’s Club drop-off and a gym workout. Walk or run through the park while your child is participating in their sports practice.
I know, I know, I just listed a bunch of ideas, but I know you have MORE to share! And busy parents of young children need as many options as possible (not to mention the forethought of scheduling it into their day) to get it done consistently. Parents of young children are often sleep-deprived, scarf half-eaten graham crackers and eggies for their daily energy, and have to be “on” until the kiddos are in bed. A workout opportunity needs to be recognized and grasped at the drop of the hat. Let’s help them do that, because there’s always time. We just need to teach them how to grasp it.
If the mind set is “I need to workout today” rather than “I will workout today” it becomes just one more thing to do
wearing a pedometer is a great motivator.
Include your kids in your activities yes, but also look at your schedule and make an appointment with yourself or trade times with a neighbor or trade with the hubby!
I think children, always look at us as their models! So if the parents are active they will be eager to do the same. I have found that acting llike them helps them be more motivated and more active weather it is indoors or outdoors and as a bonus I get a great workout too and fun as well!
Each person is unique so a set of acivities might not be another individual’s cup of tea, so I always encourage my firends and clients who have kids to think as a child as it is a secnd chance to soo many fun things again and again with the added excuse of having children. The choice is endless!!! ENJOY! Smiles!
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I have two young children 4& 5 here are some ideas. When at the park and I suggest getting there regularly, play with your kids. My two are big climbers and I try to do this along with them (when it’s not busy and size appropriate etc.). If you’re in a walkable area, take advantage of this. We have a wagon and I pull my kids to the park, to the gym, to the grocery store. It can be hard work and hard work makes for a good workout. No quitters allowed! When you get someplace with two young kids by wagon or stroller you have no choice but to put them back in and return to where you came from so giving up is not an option (whining about it is not likely to get you any sympathy either). Are you’re kids competitive? They’ll light up when they prove how much faster they are than you, so be playful, race and lose (intentionally or not). If you have children you have constant inspiration to get healthy and stay active plus really positive workout buddies that will never leave your side.
Excellent responses. When I had young children it was always a challenge to get in a workout when I wasn’t traveling. I agree with all of the responses that suggest that you try to include your children in your exercise lifestyle. Pulling a child trailer with your bike or pushing a jogger when you walk or run are two excellent ways to do this. When you go to the part, do the jungle gym with your kids!
Take care.