Let’s be honest, just because you’re a mom doesn’t mean that all the other things you need to get done in your life just stop. You still have to pay bills, cook, clean, and of course, exercise. Sometimes it can be hard finding the time to get your workouts in when you’re watching the kids. They can constantly nag you to do this or that for them, cry because their brother hit them, get into something they shouldn’t be playing with and the list could go on and on. This leaves very little time to do anything, let alone exercise. However, there are some great and creative ways to tone and work your body while you’re watching the kids and we’ve here are 7 of them.
1. Instead Of Sitting, MOVE!
When I’m at home with my son, I often find myself sitting either on the couch, a chair or on the floor as I watch him play. When I catch myself doing that I try to get up and sneak in a few exercises. It doesn’t have to be a full on workout, but I do as much as I can until he won’t let me anymore. When I do this I usually do squats, lunges, planks, sit ups, and any other moves that allow me to keep my eye on my son, but still tone my body.
Source: target.com
2. Play The Wii
If you don’t have a Wii, I’m sure there are some other video games your children own that have some sort of exercise game, like the Just Dance series for the Wii. Kids love playing around on the Wii and doing crazy dance moves, and even the Wii sports. Instead of watching them play these games, get in on the fun yourself. This will get your heart rate up and sneak in a few extra burned calories.
3. Play At The Park
Playgrounds and parks are a great place to get in a workout while still watching and playing with your kids. Instead of sitting on a bench and watching children play, get up and play with them, too. Not only will you be burning more calories by moving around, but you’ll be the funnest mom there! There are usually lots of stairs on the playgrounds for you to go up and down, or do calf raises on, or you could simply play tag on the field which will get your heart rate up and your body burning more calories.
Source: skinnymom.com
4. Stroller Workouts
If your children love taking wakes in the stroller, load them up and head out on a walk. While they’re enjoying the scenery, you can run, speed walk, and do other amazing exercises while pushing and holding onto your stroller. There are so many great ideas on how to workout with your stroller on the internet. All you have to do is search for “stroller workouts” and you’ll have a plethora at your fingertips to try.
(Head over to Skinny Mom for other great fitness tips, as well as healthy and delicious recipes, health advice, and more).
5. Involve Your Children
If you can do a full workout routine while watching the kids, first of all, all power to you, and second of all, involve your kiddos! Find ways to get them involved whether its holding them while doing squats, having them sit on your back while you do planks and push ups, or simply having them sit at your feet and give you a high five every time you do a sit up. This will allow them to have fun and interact with you while you’re toning up your body.
6. Mommy And Me Workout Videos
Who says working out has to be boring or only for adults? There are so many great videos online that include children so you can have fun together, but still get your exercise for the day. Often times we think of fitness as only being for adults, but if you’ve ever noticed, your kids will a lot of times mimic the exercises they see you do. They wanna be just like mommy, so they’re going to try and copy you. So, let them join in on all the fun and find some mommy and me workouts that you can do together.
(Check out YouTube for lots of educational, entertaining, and inspirational videos).
7. Take A Bike Ride
If your kids have some bikes, why not take a bike ride with them? If you don’t have a bike yourself, or you would rather get in a more vigorous workout, run along side them while they ride their bikes. It will allow you to get in a really good workout while they enjoy getting outside for some fresh air and allows them to expend all that energy they have.
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Mary Mulroney
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