Carpools, cooking, running errands, playdates, working… Life as a parent is pretty busy, to say the least. When you’ve got so much to tend to, it can be hard to squeeze in some time to work out.
Even though most days, you do feel like you are running a marathon, you may not be getting all of the benefits that a real workout routine can provide. As such, you could end up putting on a few extra pounds, or you just may feel run down and out of shape. Daily physical activity is important for everyone, especially parents. In addition to helping you shed a few pounds, it can also increase your energy levels, improve your mood, and even improve your immune system.
But with so much on your plate, how can you make time for working out without infringing on quality family time? Easy – Establish an exercise routine that involves the entire family!
When you work out as a family, you’ll be able to spend quality time with your kids, teach your kids the value of exercise, and get back into shape. Here are some simple ways to get back in shape while spending time with the kids.
Go on Walks
Walking is perhaps one of the easiest forms of physical fitness to partake in as a family. It also provides some pretty awesome benefits, such as weight loss and improved cardiovascular health.
Walking together as a family is a great way to enjoy some quality time together. Catch up with each other’s lives, explore nature and share some stories with each other. If you have a family dog, don’t forget to take him along on your walks, too. Fido will love getting some exercise and spending time with the family, and you’ll be able to teach your kids even more about the responsibilities of pet ownership.
Exercise Your Green Thumbs
Gardening is a great way to improve your landscape, teach responsibility and spend time together as a family; however, it also offers some pretty awesome health benefits, too. Digging, pulling weeds, raking; there’s quite a bit of physical activity involved with gardening. All of that activity can help you strengthen your muscles and even lose a few pounds. Plus, being outside in the sunshine and fresh air can do wonders to improve your mood.
Invite your kids into the garden and teach them how to identify different flowers and plants. Let them pull some weeds and help with the planting and watering. You’ll be able to teach them an important life-skill while spending time together as a family and getting in some exercise.
Get Your Groove On
Turn on some tunes and have a dance party with your kids! Talk about a fun way to spend time with the family and get into shape.
Dancing is an excellent form of exercise. It can help you drop some pounds and some inches, and it can enhance your muscle tone. Plus, you and your kiddos will be guaranteed to laugh when all of you show off your awesome moves, like the mashed potato, the monkey, and the dab.
There are so many simple and fun ways to work out and spend quality time with the kids. Anything you can do together that’s fun and involves some physical activity will help get back into shape while making memories with your family that will last a lifetime.
