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As a mom, you are constantly pulled in many directions while you try to do it all. But unless you make time to take care of yourself, it's tough to be on your A game. Squeezing exercise into your busy schedule is easier said than done, but including the whole family in your healthy quest can make it more manageable, as well as more fun.
Run
Whether you have been a runner your whole life or you're looking to build your endurance and give it a try, running can be fun for the entire family. This is a great workout for parents with kids of all ages. Simply invest in a sturdy jogging stroller, pack some snacks and go if you have a baby, toddler or preschool-aged child. For older kids, have them pace you on bikes.
If you're in a workout slump and looking to jumpstart your fitness regime, one of the easiest ways to build a good workout routine is by training for a half marathon. There are free training schedules available online and most will have you prepared for race day in about eight to 12 weeks.
Make it extra motivating by choosing a destination race, so you and your family can get a weekend getaway out of your hard work and determination. Some races even allow runners to use jogging strollers if you want to have your child with you on the big day. Otherwise, have the kids cheer you on from the sidelines with your spouse or a babysitter. They'll love the energy of the environment and it's a great example for little ones to see.
Zumba
For a workout that's just as much about having fun as it is getting fit, start taking Zumba classes at your local gym. Featuring a blend of high-energy international dance music with a variety of dance moves inspired by Latin dance styles like salsa and mambo as well as belly dancing, you'll leave each class with new moves. Expect to be dancing around the house with the kids much more often!
Some Zumba classes even allow older kids to participate, making for a great bonding experience. If your littles are too young to attend class, teach them a few dance steps after class and have a dance party at home while getting chores done. Who says cleaning the house and making dinner can't be fun?
Cycle
Log some miles on your bike and enjoy the weather by biking with your kids. Toddlers can join you on a bike-mounted seat or in a rear-attached trailer, which Consumer Reports recommends for safety. Older kids can bike right alongside you. Since most bike trailers can only hold up to two kids if you have more than two kids who aren't ready to bike on their own yet, a bucket bike, is a great alternative. It can seat up to four kids.
Choose a safe path by avoiding biking on major roads. Instead, find a local bike trail. Always be sure to wear a helmet; even the youngest riders must wear head protection. Get out your family's bikes with bells, lights, and reflectors for safety.
Hike For Exercise
Get out and explore the great outdoors with weekly family hikes. Carry babies or toddlers in a hiking backpack which even has a built-in sunshade. Young children will love trekking along the trail, seeing all of Mother Nature's unusual sights.
Keep everyone engaged in the activity by preparing a scavenger hunt or playing a game of I Spy. A quick search online also reveals many other fun and easy activities to keep kids entertained while hiking.
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
When my twins were born, we got a double jogger and that thing got a workout and helped me get back in shape. I love all the options you listed and do them or have done them however, I don’t run anymore.
Great post – pilates is amazing great for the core and U.S. mums need to build that up after our babies! Have to go back to Zumba too though like someone above said its like a party x Twitter:caringchaos
I used to bike with my son. It was so much easier when he rode on my bike with me. Once he started riding his own bike, and stopping to look at this or that, it became a pain until he was older.
These are all great suggestions and I definitely think it’s important to have kids start making exercise a part of their lives at an early age. I love hiking and nature and that seems like an awesome activity for the whole family 🙂
I love this post, totally agree you need to make a bit of time for yourself. personally i absolutely love zumba, doesn’t feel like a workout, more of a party
Hi Krystle, it must be so hard for mom’s nowadays to balance career and family. And then you try to fit in a workout? It would be like choosing workout over valuable time with family. You have some great ideas on solving that.
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Great ideas for workout!
I’m glad you enjoyed them! It’s definitely much nicer working the kids INto the workout instead of working AROUND them.
I used to do zumba and really liked it but I lost my way! I need to make more time in my schedule to do things I really love.
I need to make more time in my schedule too. More time for fun 🙂
When my twins were born, we got a double jogger and that thing got a workout and helped me get back in shape. I love all the options you listed and do them or have done them however, I don’t run anymore.
I bet that stroller got a workout. I got a double stroller when I had my second child. My first often couldn’t walk long enough so it came in handy.
I love getting outside. When I’m hiking I don’t even notice that I’m working out.
I agree. Hiking doesn’t seem like working out at all!
Great post – pilates is amazing great for the core and U.S. mums need to build that up after our babies! Have to go back to Zumba too though like someone above said its like a party x
Twitter:caringchaos
A workout that’s like a party sounds good to me!
Love getting outside and hiking. I loved bike riding but it hurts my tailbone too much. These ideas sounds fantastic!
I have that tailbone issue too Jessica. Mine even hurts in the car sometimes 🙁
Love the fun pictures! We really like Zumba! We started back working out this year and love it!
Glad to her you like it. I still need to give it a go but I’m afraid of looking bad while doing it. I have no coordination. I might hurt someone LOL.
So true! Being a mom it doesn’t stop you to take care of yourself. All the tips on this post are familiar tips that easy to do them adjustly.
We moms sometimes forget about ourselves but we shouldn’t!
Love this! I think it is so important for the whole family to keep moving!
I agree Sarah!! It’s much better than just sitting on the couch all the time.
We’ve been going on family bike rides for as long as my kids were able to ride a bike. Great ideas!
That’s great! It’s always nice to get outdoors and just ride.
Playing in 2 feet of snow has been my latest mom workout! Great post, you look like you are having a ton of fun with the kids!
I feel you. Playing in the snow is a workout!! I remember those days but here in Texas not so much. Enjoy it 🙂
What a great tips. I really want to try run with my kids and zumba. thanks for sharing
Get your kids running with you. You know little ones enjoy chase 🙂
These are awesome suggestions, taking up dance classes would work too. I’d love to try Zumba someday!
Great idea!! Dancers are always so fit.
These are great tips. There are so many things you can do to sweat it out. I also encourage the kids to walk with me when they don’t have school.
Walking is also one of our favorite choices. We need to start doing it more now that it’s trying to warm up.
I used to bike with my son. It was so much easier when he rode on my bike with me. Once he started riding his own bike, and stopping to look at this or that, it became a pain until he was older.
I know what you mean. Right now we walk while they bike since they either can’t keep up or get distracted.
These are all great suggestions and I definitely think it’s important to have kids start making exercise a part of their lives at an early age. I love hiking and nature and that seems like an awesome activity for the whole family 🙂
Yes, getting a head start on exercise as a kid is a great idea. Lord knows us adults often don’t have the motivation for it.
I think too often women leave themselves for last. However if we are not healthy it will be very hard to take care of our loved ones.
I am one of those women. It’s hard to think of myself first most of the time.
i love when families can find ways to exercise together. i loved hiking with my parents when i was younger
We like hiking too. Hopefully we can get out this spring and find some new places to explore.
I recently started pilates to strengthen my core and love Zumba. I would like to get back into it!
I need to try pilates. I have a friend that swears by it.
I love this post, totally agree you need to make a bit of time for yourself. personally i absolutely love zumba, doesn’t feel like a workout, more of a party
I’m up for a workout that feels like a party. It’s much better than dreading crunches LOL.
Hi Krystle, it must be so hard for mom’s nowadays to balance career and family. And then you try to fit in a workout? It would be like choosing workout over valuable time with family. You have some great ideas on solving that.
Thank you!! Might as well have the kids get some exercise too. It can’t hurt and they often think it’s fun 🙂