Keeping fit while raising a family is a challenge that many people are facing right now. Lost sleep, demands on your time, demands on your attention, let’s face it, going to the gym and keeping your body at peak fitness is hardly at the top of your priorities when you are also being mum or dad.
But there isn’t any reason why you can’t get some exercise in during your child-raising years, it is just a matter of compromise and imagination.
It is also very important that you continue to exercise while raising a family. Your health and fitness is very important and the more you look after yourself, the better equipped you are to deal with all that life might throw at you. Yes, you might be tired and not feel like exercising but once you have done that work-out, you will feel a whole heap better. It will also mean that when little Freddie or Annabelle are at an age where they want to play football or go for a bike ride, you are able to keep up with them!
Advice for keeping fit while raising a family
The following extract is from someone who knows what he is talking about. Paul is a father or two young children and author of the blog Fatherfitness.co.uk
Here, he shares his tips on exercising while raising a family.
EXERCISE TOGETHER
For parents with newborns, this is great for easing back into fitness. Your baby wants your attention and you want to get in shape, so why not exercise with your newborn and do both at once? Do squats while holding your baby, lay on your back and lift him or her up and down like a hand weight, perform light crunches with the baby on your belly, do tummy time together – there are many possibilities.
GO OUT FOR A JOG
There are buggies available that have been built specifically for joggers. Lightweight and engineered for speed and agility, jogging pushchairs give you a reason to get some fresh air for both you and your baby. He or she gets to observe the world with the thrill of the wind against their face while you squeeze some cardiovascular exercise into your day.
Jogging strollers can fit kids of various ages from newborns to toddlers. You could establish a set time to go outside with your child every day and keep up the routine for years. There’s no downside!
HAVE FUN AT THE PARK
Something about parenthood tends to revive a little spark of wonder in parents as they watch their children learn about the world that they’ve come to take for granted. It’s okay to get back in touch with your inner child, particularly when you can get a little exercise at the same time.
Most communities have parks with playgrounds for toddlers to enjoy. As long as they’re not too crowded, there’s nothing stopping you from joining your child on the jungle gym, monkey bars, seesaw and wobbly bridges. Let them direct their playtime while following along. Not only do you put in a little workout, your child will be thrilled to have you involved in his or her playtime.
MAKE IT A FAMILY EVENT
As your children get older, make a habit out of playing sports together. The teamwork and friendly competition will make the exercise feel fun and not like a chore. Besides, it’s a great bonding experience for you and your kids.
For more advice and ideas on how to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, speak to our team of experienced trainers at Kelsey Kerridge.
