How to Get Fit as a Busy Parent
Once you have kids, it can be much more difficult to fit exercise into your busy schedule. It seems like every moment of your day is already spent looking after the kids, working, or cooking and cleaning. As a result, you may find yourself becoming a lot less fit and healthy than you were before.
However, there are ways you can carve out some time for yourself and get active. Here are some of the best tips for getting fit as a busy parent.
Try a sport
You may find it easier to stick to an exercise routine if you commit to a sports class every week. You could also try out a sport you’ve never done before like squash or volleyball, and if you particularly enjoy your weekly sports classes, you’ll be more motivated to make time for exercise in your busy schedule.
The great thing about a sport like volleyball is that it’s very fast-paced (helping you burn more calories) and also extremely fun and social. To get started with this sport, you’ll just need a few pieces of equipment like knee pads, elbow pads and spandex shorts. But why do volleyballers wear spandex? This material is extremely stretchy, making it easier for you to move around as much as you need.
Wake up earlier
Although it’s hard to get out of your warm, comfy bed, especially in the colder months, waking up earlier will give you time to exercise before you need to wake your kids up and get them ready for school. Waking up just 30 minutes earlier could give you enough time for a morning jog or a quick yoga session to start your day. Exercising early in the morning will also give you extra energy to get through the day, which is something all parents need!
Walk more
Instead of driving to the local supermarket or to work, why not walk there if it’s not too far away? You’d be surprised at how many little changes you could make to your routine to get some more movement and exercise. If a lot of places are too far away and you still need to drive, then make time to go for at least a quick walk each day. Walking might not be the most vigorous form of exercise, but any extra movement will do your health a lot of good.
Move around at work
We all know that sitting down all day is bad for our health, but how can we avoid it if we work a 9-5 office job? You might not be able to avoid sedentary behaviour entirely, but you can break it up by moving around at regular intervals. At work, you should take quick breaks to get up from your desk and move around the office (or your home office). This will get your blood flowing and may even improve your mood and concentration.
Getting fit when you’re a busy parent is definitely tough, but by making small changes to your lifestyle and incorporating movement into your routine, you can start becoming happier and healthier.
My name is Louise and I am the Digital Marketing and Administrative Assistant at MyBump2Baby. I have been writing in the parenting niche for over 2 years specialising in fertility, pregnancy, baby and baby name support articles.