Working out with the kids

Being a mum usually means having little time to spend on yourself. Exercise can be a challenge, especially when battling tiredness and the demands of your children. However, with a few key pointers, fitness can become part of your daily routine again.

Planning the week ahead is a good place to start: make a timetable of ways you can fit in some exercise between or alongside other commitments. This can be as simple as walking with a pram or pushchair where you might have otherwise got the bus or took the car. Places like the local park, doctor’s and the shops probably feature quite heavily in your week already; using them as an excuse to get fit is one way to put exercise back on the agenda. Parks are also great for a quick workout. So while the kids have fun on the slide, squeeze in a few step-ups on the nearest bench.

Play-dates can also be good opportunities for a joint session. If you’re taking a toddler round to a friend’s, you can take turns to practise a few yoga positions or do sit-ups in between looking after the kids. This gives everyone motivation to keep fit. Similarly, exercise DVDs can be fun to do during nap time, if you have very young children.

For mums who return to a job when the kids get older, the working week can be even more of a juggle. There are ways to take advantage of your own time, however brief it may be. Joining a gym for lunchtime sessions is one idea; if you’re children are already being cared for, this is your chance to grab a quick go on the rowing machine or the weights. When they’re are ready for scooters and bikes, take them round the block a few times, and join in if they’re going roller-blading to really get them involved in your exercise routine. Even things like dancing to a favourite tune will do the whole family some good.

The best approach is the creative one; incorporating a workout into your plans can make it a lot easier to alter your routine. Playing with the kids can have added benefits if you think about it on a practical level and it’s well-known that you’re more likely to keep exercising if you’re enjoying yourself at the same time.

This is a sponsored guest post.  Compensation was received.