We all know how important exercise is, whether you’re following a medical weight loss plan or simply want to ward off age-related health problems. But for parents, exercise presents a challenge: How do you fit in a workout, between work, family time, housework, and the rest of your obligations?
Work out at home. There’s no reason you have to exercise at a gym. There are plenty of ways to work out at home, whether you want to purchase equipment or simply perform body-weight moves.
Work out while the kids sleep. Get up before the kids and head out for a morning walk or run, or exercise during their nap time. Some parents even opt for evening workouts, after the kids are in bed, but beware that this habit could potentially interfere with your sleep patterns.
Sneak in a workout during your lunch break. If you eat lunch at your desk, either before or after your break, you could use the break time for a workout.
Combine your workout and your commute. If the kids can ride the bus to school, or carpool with another family, this might free you up to walk or cycle to work.
Get the kids involved. If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em! Or, rather, have them join you. When you exercise with the kids, you’ll spend quality time together while also setting a great example. Go hiking, take a family bike ride, or play a sport together.
Space out your workout throughout the day. If you can’t get an hour alone, break up your workout into increments. For example, you could do 20 minutes of Pilates in the morning, take a 20 minute walk on your lunch break, and then perform a few body weight moves while cooking dinner. You don’t have to do it all at once!
Trade off with your partner or another parent. Find a gym buddy, and take turns working out while the other partner watches the kids.
Be flexible. As you’ve already learned, happiness while parenting is all about being able to adapt to new challenges. Allow your workout plan to change over time, as your kids grow and their (and your) needs change.
If you need more workout tips, or help with a medical weight loss plan, give us a call. We can help you put together a strategy that suits your health goals and your lifestyle.
