Don’t Have Time to Exercise? Do it With Your Kids

As a parent, finding the time to go to the gym can be extremely challenging. Between taking care of the kids, dealing with chores, and other professional responsibilities, parents tend to neglect their own individual health and wellbeing. One way you can squeeze a workout, or running session into your busy schedule is by combining workout time with family time and having the little ones join you, or just play nearby.

Easier said than done but not impossible. Here are some kid-friendly activities you can add to your exercise routine.

Take Your Kid on a Stroller and Go Out for a Jog

An easy exercise you can start with is taking your kid along and going for a jog. If your kid is still a toddler, you can put them in a jogging stroller—made specifically for easy maneuvering and stability while jogging—and start running slowly while pushing it. In the case when your kid can ride a bike, scooter, roller skates, or anything similar which would help them catch up to you, have them ride alongside you while you jog.

Gather Your Kids and Dance Together

Ah dancing—this movement that does wonders. Not only can it hype you up but, just like running, it can also serve as a way to burn down some calories. All you have to do is play your favorite music and improvise dance moves, or follow one of the many videos of aerobic dance routines online.

There are many benefits to this form of cardio exercise, including improved flexibility, losing or maintaining a healthy weight, and preventing heart disease. Therefore, the activity will be beneficial and entertaining at the same time.

Make Your Kids Part of Your Exercises

There are several exercise moves that can become even more efficient if you incorporate your child in them, the extra weight added can really make a difference. Let’s see what those exercises are.

Lunges

This exercise requires the body to switch from standing straight to being in such a position that both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. One of the knees is positioned forward with the foot flat on the ground and the other one is positioned behind. During this exercise, your kid can sit on the knee you push forward when you sit down.

Push-ups

Place both hands flat on the ground, and have your legs be straight with the balls of your feet on the ground. Then, have your kid sit on your back while you bend your arms and begin to push yourself up and down.

Sit-ups

Begin by lying down with the knees bent and the soles of the feet flat on the ground. Place your child opposite you with their hands on your knees. Slowly start to sit up so that you are facing your child, and then lay back down.

Squats

Start by standing with your feet a little wider than the width of your hips. Have your child climb your back, and while holding him begin to lower your hips as if you were sitting down. After reaching the point where your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle, stand up straight again.

The plank

This exercise requires a similar position as the push-up, but you should place your forearms flat on the ground and support your weight on them. Similar to the push-up, you can place your child on your back and go for it.

Go for a Bicycle Ride

Another extremely fun activity you can do to exercise is riding a bicycle. If your child can ride a bike themselves then they can ride beside you, or you can put them on a baby seat attached to the back of the bike. Not only will you be exercising, you will also be bonding with your child and sharing experiences together.

Practice Yoga

You can teach your child some simple yoga poses so they can stretch and exercise with you. Since most kids are so flexible, this activity will not be a problem and they might even enjoy it.

Hit the Playground

Playgrounds are the primary source of entertainment for kids. However, the different equipment there can be used for exercise by adults as well. Going to a playground can be an excellent opportunity for you to work out while the kids play around you.

Even as a hardworking parent, you can still make time to exercise simply by including your kids in the routine. You will be exercising and bonding together, but most importantly setting an excellent example for how important physical health is.