Working out as a busy parent is no easy feat. Between juggling work, household chores, and the needs of your children, finding time to exercise can seem like an impossible task. But as challenging as it may be, making exercise a priority is essential for both your physical and mental health. Not only that but it’s important for your kid’s relationship with health. A study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences found that when parents engaged in regular exercise, their children were more likely to have positive attitudes toward exercise and to engage in regular physical activity themselves. The study also found that children who had parents who exercised regularly were more likely to have higher levels of self-esteem and confidence.
It's clear that parents who model physically fit lifestyles can have a positive impact on their children's health and fitness habits. By being active and leading a healthy lifestyle, parents can help their children develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime. And that what we all want for our children a health life, and be more confident!
Think of this complicated phase of parenting and personal health like playing a game of Tetris – you have play around and adjust more than ever when part of the things are in place to fit in all the pieces of your life. But, with a little creativity and planning, it is possible maintain your physical health, career, social life, and family. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your workouts so you can enjoy more:
Embrace the chaos
Trying to fit in a workout with kids around is like trying to solve a Rubik's cube – it's a puzzle, but with determination and patience, you can make it happen. Don't stress too much about having the perfect environment to exercise in. Instead, embrace the chaos and find ways to work out with your kids around. Take them to the gym with you, they can sit an do homework, or when you drop them off at practice run to the gym nearby or go for a run. Stuck in the house!? With one yoga mat and a few DB you can turn your living room into a workout space and have your kids join in or play nearby. This not only helps you fit in exercise but also sets a positive example for your children.
Make a plan
When it comes to working out as a busy parent, planning is key. Take a look at your schedule for the week and find pockets of time where you can fit in some exercise. It may mean waking up a little earlier then you normally do (GASP… will you become a morning person!?) or working out during your lunch break, but making a plan and sticking to it can help you stay on track. Another thing on the schedule!?!? Hey we get it sometimes it feels like you need a workout just to get ready for your workout because of all the scheduling and mental effort it takes, but hey, at least you’re trying!
Keep it Simple; get Support
As a busy parent, you may not have the luxury of spending hours at the gym, writing your own workout, researching the best exercise to lose those love handles. Let’s be real you rarely get to sit on the toilet in piece at home without all hell breaking loose. But that doesn't mean you can't get an effective workout in. It might be time to hire a coach, or find a gym, or have someone who can simplify the process. This isn’t defeat to ask for some help because you don’t have the time to figure out how to maintain your fitness; it’s just part of the Tetris puzzle of your life. So it’s not perfect, don’t be stuck on the idea of what worked in the past is the only way you can do it. Those two hours you spend at the gym or that 10 mile run you used to go on might not fit or work any longer. Short, high-intensity workouts can be just as effective as longer, moderate-intensity ones. It’s no more about what fits, and what will work now in your life; not what you used to be able to do, with what now seems like limitless time you had.
Don't forget to Rest
As important as it is to stay active, it's also essential to give your body time to rest and recover. As a busy parent, you may feel like you need to be constantly on the go, but taking time to rest can actually help you be more productive in the long run. Make sure to get enough sleep, take rest days, and listen to your body when it needs a break.
If working out with kids was an Olympic sport, we'd all be gold medalists in multitasking. The struggle is real, but so are the gains. Regular exercise has been shown to have numerous physical and mental health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved mood, and better sleep quality. Plus, a reminder again if you aren’t working out because you don’t want to be selfish… you’re being selfish. Research has consistently shown that parental influence has a significant impact on a child's health and fitness. Parents who model physically fit lifestyles (they do what you do, not what you say) can have a positive impact on their children's health and fitness habits. This also goes for your relationships and marriage as well.
There is a growing body of research that supports the positive impact of exercise on relationships and marriages. Studies have shown that couples who exercise report higher levels of relationship satisfaction, intimacy, and communication. Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress, leading to a more positive and harmonious relationship. Furthermore, engaging in physical activity can strengthen the bond between partners, increase feelings of support and encouragement, and promote teamwork and shared goals
By following these tips, you can get the most out of your workouts and make exercise a regular part of your busy schedule and lead your family to a healthier and happier life!
