Being active is crucial for everyone’s wellbeing. We need to exercise to keep our blood flowing smoothly through our arteries and veins, to maintain a healthy weight and to help reduce stress levels.
Exercise also helps protect against cardiovascular disease, depression and other illnesses. It can be tough for most people to find time to exercise, but it can be even harder when you have young children because they are so demanding of your time and energy.
But there are ways to sneak in exercise even when you have kids onboard. Even if you can only do a few minutes at a time, every bit counts. And if your child or children are still quite small, you can strap them in the stroller and get moving.
Walking is a great way to get some exercise, and it’s also a great opportunity to bond with your kids. They’ll love getting to explore the outdoors, and you’ll appreciate the chance to get some fresh air and get your heart rate up. If you walk at a good pace, you can even make it a bit of a workout. To make it more fun, invite a friend who also has little ones to join you, or start a mom’s walking group.
You can also get some exercise by running or jogging with a special stroller that your child can sit in, or by biking with a special cart that your child can sit in. As your kids see you participating in outdoor exercise, they’ll want to do it too. And playing together is a great way to sneak in some additional exercise – games of chase are always exciting for kids and will help you stay active.
If you’re looking for ways to get your whole family moving, check out Mommy and Me exercise classes in your area. Family biking outings are also a great way to get everyone outside and active. And if you prefer working out at home, set aside some time in the morning or during nap time to do an exercise DVD. Staying active will help you stay healthy and fit, and it’s a great way to reduce stress.
Even if you only have a few minutes, there are still things you can do to stay active and get in a quick workout. Something as simple as popping in a dance DVD or going for a brisk walk with the dog can help to get your heart rate up. And if you’re looking to tone your muscles, a few sets of push-ups and crunches can be done in just minutes.
Don’t give up on exercise just because you’re busy. You need to make time as often as you can to keep your body strong. This helps keep you healthy. It also helps keep you feeling attractive and youthful – something that can be harder to maintain after having kids.
Exercise helps reduce stress and increase self-esteem, and by exercising regularly, you’re setting a healthy example for your kids. As a family activity, exercise like biking can be a fun way to burn calories and spend quality time together.
Everyone can find time for exercise, even if it’s just ten minutes. Get in on games of chase, catch, and kickball with your kids. Make exercise a family affair to not only improve your fitness, but also to create fun moments for your family.
