A lack of time is the top excuse people give for not exercising enough. If you work long hours, raising kids or juggling both, you may feel there aren’t enough hours in the day. When you become a parent, finding the time to exercise can be more difficult, but there are solutions. In this handy guide, we’ll outline some simple steps to enjoy a more active lifestyle when you have children.
Encourage active hobbies
One of the best ways to be more active as a parent is to encourage hobbies that will get your heart racing. Active pursuits and sports will help you hit exercise targets and are a great way to spend quality time together. Many options are available, from climbing, hiking, or kayaking in the great outdoors to kicking soccer balls around in the park, going to dance classes, or learning to do acrobatics. Think about your interests as a family and look for ways to spend time together doing activities that everyone will love. It’s an excellent idea to ask around, get inspiration and advice from other parents, and research local clubs and groups online.
Maximize your workout time
If you’re short on time, which many parents are, making the most of every minute you have to work out is essential. If you’re on a mission to get fit or hit activity targets, opt for activities that will help you achieve your personal goals. Short, intense bursts of exercise will help you burn calories or hit desired heart rate zones faster than longer sessions of gentle exercise, for example. HIIT sessions, boxing and spin classes, and sprint interval training are good examples of high-energy workouts that burn calories fast and get your heart pumping.
Incorporate daily exercise
Adjusting your routine can help you increase your activity levels. Simple steps like getting up 20 minutes earlier, walking to work instead of driving, going for a walk or run every evening, or doing a workout or exercise class after work or during your lunch break can make a big difference. Schedule breaks for physical activity and manage your diary. Looking after your health and well-being is as important as other aspects of your life, such as work and social commitments.
Use your evenings and weekends to get active
There are many ways to spend your weekends and evenings doing activities everyone can enjoy. If you have a free weekend coming up, or you usually have an hour or so between collecting the kids from school and having dinner, make use of this time. Play games in the backyard, go for a walk or a bike ride, explore natural wonders, or book family-friendly sessions. Play at the park or burn energy after a long day by dancing around the kitchen.
Work out at home
When you have kids, particularly young children, getting to the gym or an exercise facility can be challenging. Working out at home is a brilliant way to be more active without finding childcare or worrying about spending too much time away from your children. You can use gym equipment at home, stream workouts, or follow exercise programs via apps and social media groups. Exercising at home gives you more flexibility, saves money, and frees up time as you don’t have to factor in traveling to and from a class or session.
Get your kids involved
Experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week for adults and at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for children aged over 5. Getting your kids involved is a fantastic way to set a good example, spend more time together, and encourage healthy habits. From jogging, playing tennis, and walking to doing dance routines, going swimming, and practicing yoga in the living room, there are many activities suitable for kids of all ages.
Lean on others
If you find it impossible to exercise regularly due to childcare or work commitments, lean on your support network. Work with your partner to create a schedule that allows both of you to work out. Ask friends and family members to babysit or team up with other moms and dads in the neighborhood to create a rota.
Look for child-friendly classes.
Going to child-friendly classes is an effective way to work out more, and it can also have amazing social benefits. Examples include mom-and-baby yoga, family-friendly dance classes, and swim sessions suitable for tots.
When you become a parent, you lose much spare time, making it hard to stick to a regular workout routine. If you’re struggling to find time to exercise, there are solutions. Encouraging active hobbies, maximizing your time, scheduling sessions, and using your evenings and weekends to play sports or enjoy active pursuits can help boost activity levels. Other ideas include looking for child-friendly classes, working out at home, getting your kids involved, and leaning on friends and family members.
