Tricks for Fitting in Workouts with Young Children

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It’s no secret that since having Poppet 18 months ago, I have found it hard to fit in regular work-outs.  In some ways it is easier today than when she was a newborn, but the motivation is not quite the same.  I find myself getting used to the “new” me.  I also find myself more tired from chasing around a mobile Poppet!  Nevertheless, there are many reasons I want to exercise, and maintaining weight is just one of them.  Here are some tips and tricks if you find yourself in the same boat.

1.  Quiet Time. If your own poppet is old enough to understand “Quiet” than take advantage of it.  I pull out a mat, and every time Poppet sees it she knows that it means 2 things.  #1 – She’s gonna have to sit on it and be somewhat quiet, and #2 – She’s gonna get to play with all the fun things in the Mummy’s Lug Taxi Tote that she doesn’t get to touch anytime she is not on the mat.  This allows me time to read, cook, or exercise!

2.  Let them see you exercise.  Research has shown time and again that the habits we learn as young children stick with us throughout our lives.  This can be anything from eating habits, tv watching habits, sleeping habits, and exercise!  If they see you move they are more likely to move themselves.  Poppet literally runs circles around me and tries to pick up my weights when she sees Mummy exercising.

3.  Naptime.  Naptime is the perfect opportunity to exercise if you don’t want to feel like you are running an obstacle course at the same time.  I make sure to fit it in right at the beginning of Poppet’s nap so I’m almost complete assured she won’t wake up and interrupt me.

4.  Bedtime.  This follows right on the heels of the point above.  For me this is my least ideal time to exercise as it pumps me up and I can’t fall asleep easily.  But for my hubby, as soon as I head to nurse Poppet he heads to the basement and pulls out the exercise equipment.

5.  Go for a walk.  This can be as simple as a stroll after dinner, to making an effort to walk to the grocery store, do your shopping, and walk home with all your goods and poppets in tow.

6.  Avoid family parking spots.  As much as I love them, every little bit counts when you are trying to fit exercise in.  Make sure to pick a spot further from the door and walk the extra bit.

7.  Take the stairs.  If you have somewhere to go, don’t take the elevator, venture up the staircase instead.  This can also apply at home.  Why pile all your things to go upstairs on a step to carry up at bedtime.  Take multiple trips up each time a new item needs to change floors and you’ll find yourself mastering the old-fashioned stair-stepper!

8.  Play in the Park.  Poppet has taken to bringing her jacket to Papa or I and insisting on “Side, Side!”  We thought this was cute and thought she wanted to go outside, until we realized she was really saying “Slide, Slide!”  An even better workout having to lift her up to the big slide 50 times a day!

9.  Wrestle on the Floor.  Remember, when for seemingly no reason, your dad would wrestle you to the floor and give you a noogie, or catch you between his ankles and not let you go?  Chances are he was trying to whittle down his waistline while making it fun for you too!  Okay, maybe not, but it can have that effect.  And what better way to burn a couple of calories than spending time together with your kids!

What ways do you fit exercise and fitness into your busy daily life!  Let us know in the comments below!

Warmest regards,

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