Staying at home as a parent means that you have both more and less time on your hands than your working partner. You have more time because you don't have to commute to and from work, but you have far less time because the little one is going to occupy every spare moment.
Finding time to fit in a workout can be a challenge, but here are a few great tips to help you make your workout a priority every day.
1. Make Potty Time a WorkoutWhile the little one is sitting on the potty, fit in a short workout. It's usually only five to 10 minutes, but you can drag it on to a good 15 minutes if your toddler is entertained. Use that time to do your push ups, pull ups, planks, squats and chair dips.
2. Squeeze a Stroll In
Driving to the store can be a good time to get in your workout. Simply park a few blocks away from the store, and carry baby on your back or in your arms. You'll get that good workout in both directions, and baby will be able to see more of the city.
3. Look for Gyms with Child Care
Many gyms do offer child care as a means of enticing busy parents into buying a membership. If your gym offers child care, take advantage of it--or else switch to a gym that does. You'll have a wonderful workout break, a solid hour away from the kids. Even if it costs more, it's worth considering.
4. Do Workouts with the Kids
Why not look for activities you can do that give all of you great exercise? Have you ever tried to jog while pushing a double stroller? You'll find that it's a wonderful workout, and your older children can jog alongside you. Combine your house chores with exercise, and find activities that take you outdoors and get you moving.
5. Trim Down Your Workouts
Do you really need to spend 60 to 90 minutes per day working out? Look for HIIT workouts you can do in less time, and get in a high-intensity workout in those few moments you have to yourself throughout the day.
6. Use the Kids as Weights
Tired of carrying the little one around all day? That's because it's exhausting for your muscles! Use the baby as a weight, and find ways to work out with your kid. You can do bench presses, shoulder raises, bicep curls, leg raises, and a whole host of exercises using your baby instead of a dumbbell.
Being busy doesn't mean that your fitness has to suffer As a stay-at-home parent, you can still fit exercise into your day no matter how much time your children demand from you.
Some people get lucky and are born with fit, toned bodies. Andy Peloquin is not one of those people... Fitness has come hard for him, and he's had to work for it. His trials have led him to becoming a martial artist, an NFPT-certified fitness trainer, and a man passionate about exercise, diet and healthy living. He loves to exercise--he does so six days a week--and loves to share his passion for fitness and health with others.
