Can parents really find time to exercise and stay in shape? When you have babies, your parental role can consume the majority of your free time. Most couples who have kids, find it challenging to re-engage in activities they used to enjoy together before the kids made their grand entrance. As the household baby chores pile up, so do the pounds. In fact, studies have shown that parents gain a sizable amount of weight within few years of having kids. Though a percentage of this weight gain could be attributed to the natural slowdown in metabolism as we age, the truth is, a large part of the weight gain is directly linked to the lack of exercising. Here are some easy tricks parents can use to find time to exercise and stay in shape!
Finding Time To Exercise When You Have Kids
When your kids are very young, it is difficult for parents to think about adding exercise to their already crammed schedules. But here is the honest truth: You still can make time to exercise and stay in shape; you just need to adjust your schedule and re-strategize. Joining a regular gym might mean blocking off at least an hour and a half of your day, so this is clearly not feasible. Instead, you have to be creative.
Whether you are finding time to exercise as a working mom or a stay at home mom, it is OK to make yourself a priority! In fact, it is good for you which means it is good for your partner and child.
Work Out At Home
If you’ve always worked out at the gym with machines, readjusting to a home workout schedule might not put you in your element at first. But the truth is a home workout based on effective body-weight high intensity training routines, is an effective way to burn massive amounts of calories in a short period of time. Twenty minutes of high intensity training workout can turbocharge your metabolism 24 to 48 hours after your workout is over. Most of these exercises do not require any gym equipment, and take less than 25 minutes to complete. But remember, no pain, no gain! So you have to be very committed.
Try Partner Workout
There is nothing better than exercising with your husband or wife, and having fun with it. You can take the baby to the park, and set it in the stroller while you exercise with each other. Here is a great partner workout routine you should try:
Playground Workout
While you take your child to the playground, take a brisk walk around the playground’s perimeter. You can even put on your workout clothes and do some light exercising as you keep a close eye on your child.
Enroll In A Gym With a Child Care Room
If you can’t work out anywhere but at the gym, then make sure you enroll at a gym that comes with a child care facility. That will ensure your child is well taken care of as you are pumping iron!
Learn To Multitask
As you spend time at home with your child, multitask. Do crunches, pushups and planks, while you watch television. You will be surprise how much weight these healthy habits can carry.
Don’t Make Excuses and Remember Your Purpose
When you have kids, it is so easy to find all sorts of excuses to justify your lack of exercising. However, do not forget that you are exercising because you want to be healthy and full of energy to be able to play with your kids as they age. You cannot afford to let your health decline during this crucial time. Good luck!
Guest post by Kodjo Hounnake who is a home fitness enthusiast that believes the average person can get and remain in great shape right at home. You do not need expensive gym equipment to achieve the body of your dreams. Your body weight is sufficient enough. See the hundreds of home workout videos and health tips on home fitness blog.
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Jenifer Hattaway says
You couldn’t be more right. We have to exercise & maintain our health to take care of our children. I joined Fit4Mom’s Stroller Strides class & it has changed my life. I get my workout in while being a good example for my daughters & making friends.