Who says you have to sweat it out at the gym to stay in shape? Moms can sneak in fitness just about anywhere even if they have a chaotic household with little ones under foot. Doing activities with your kids is the easiest way to fit some exercise into your schedule. Don't sit on the sidelines, get into the game and have some fun!
Hiking
Kids of all ages can appreciate a hike in the woods. If you have children between 5 and 8 years of age, suggest that they collect some things that they find along the way. They could start a leaf collection and look up what trees they came from when they get home. Or, if you are a more adventurous parent, let them collect some of the creepy-crawlies on the forest floor for a mini-terrarium.
If you have some knowledge about flora then point out the flowers and plants you come across. For your own health benefit, hiking can burn up to 480 calories per hour, and if you are stooping down to pick things up or walking up a steep incline you'll get an extra workout for your glutes and quads.
Exercising with Baby
If you have a newborn then you won't be able to do things like take hikes but you can fit small bursts of exercise into your daily routine at home. Every new mom knows that picking up her baby and carrying it around is the epitome of weight lifting.
In fact, this idea is similar to interval training, where you rotate between strength and cardio sessions to increase fat burn. This technique keeps your metabolism revved up without wearing you out because the high energy portions are counterbalanced by the slower strength training parts.
Try to fit in your workout while doing other daily activities. For example, you can tighten your abs just about anywhere. By holding your stomach in for as long as possible you are simulating a standing crunch.
Imagine pulling your bellybutton back to your spine. When you are standing in line at the grocery store or brushing your teeth tighten your abs for 10 seconds and progressively try to increase your holding time up to 1 minute.
Pilates Swimming
When your baby plays, you play too. If you know some Pilates moves, you will find that they are surprisingly similar to some of the positions that your baby gets into when she plays. When your baby is sprawled on her stomach with arms and legs out and up in the air, get on the ground and practice your Pilates swimming form.
How to do the Pilates swimming move:
- Lie on your stomach with your legs stretched out back behind you and your arms stretched out in front of you. Think long and lean.
- Pull your shoulder blades down your back away from your ears.
- Pull your abs in and up. Think about pulling the bellybutton all the way back to the spine.
- Think about pulling your tailbone down towards the mat. This will help protect your lower back.
- Keep your head and neck straight. Since you will be watching your baby too, just try to keep as much length as possible in the neck.
- Alternate raising your right arm and your left leg and then your left arm and right leg. Try to get a smooth transition going, 2 going up as the other 2 descend.
- Watch your breathing. Attempt long, slow breaths.
- Try to do 3 sets of 5 repetitions on each side. See if you can outlast your baby!
Pep up Your Pedometer
Do you own a pedometer? This can be a great motivational tool for new moms. It might take awhile to see the weight come off but when you can see how far you actually walk, run and crawl per day you can't help but feel proud of yourself.
Bump up the numbers on the pedometer by:
- Parking your car farther from entrances
- Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
- Wear a baby carrier instead of using a stroller
- Use a running stroller
Moving Play Dates
These play dates center around places or things that require some movement. So instead of gathering with the girls and noshing while you catch up, next time suggest a meeting at a park or a museum. You can still chatter to your heart's content but you'll get in some exercise too.
Even if you don't have a play date, try to get your kids out to some more physically active places. A lot of museums have kids' days where the children get to play and meet other children. Of course, there are always the museums solely for children, where every exhibit has a "play" component.
If you have an elementary age child, try to visit during the children group tour days. Usually, a docent will corral all the kids and teach them a few things and then let them play at making their own masterpieces. If you have an infant, you can take them on a walk around the grounds while your other child has fun. Museums are often situated on lots with a sculpture garden or landscaped gardens for a nice stroll.
The local pool is also a great place to go in the summertime. Just don't forget the sun block for that sensitive baby skin.
Clean Up Your Act
If your children are a bit older, let them help you clean the house. You can burn about 100 calories during a 30 minute chore like mopping or scrubbing the tub. This activity comes with more than one bonus.
The house gets clean (for a little bit, at least), you're getting some exercise, and you're teaching your children the importance of chores. Kids especially love things they can play at, like washing the car. Just don't expect it to be streak-free when all is said and done.
Just remember, not everything happens in a day. The house will probably never be fully clean with kids around. You can only do so many crunches before your tummy gives out. Enjoy your little ones and consider everything a work in progress.
