Whether it’s because of the cost, because you don’t have someone to mind the kids, or whether you just find them generally uninviting, the gym doesn’t suit everyone.
However, getting fit can be fun and fulfilling if you find something that you enjoy that doesn’t feel like exercise. Parenting often feels like an uphill battle anyway, so jumping on a treadmill with a steep incline is hardly appealing!
If getting fit is your thing, here are some ways to break a sweat:
Work It Out
There are millions of at-home workouts waiting for you on YouTube so you can easily find one that suits both your fitness level and the amount of free time you have. Us mums are busy little bees so finding time for yourself is a real challenge. My tip for getting fit is to start with something short so there’s less chance of getting interrupted. Joe Wicks has some 10-minute workouts which are ideal when time is of the essence. And, if you want to introduce weights, there’s no need to purchase dumbbells; there are plenty of household items that you can put to good use instead. Tin cans or bottles of water are a perfect (and free) substitute.
Soccer Mom
Shivering on the sideline watching your kids play soccer is one way to make time go slower than you ever thought possible. However, having a mini-match in the garden is great fun and is a brilliant way for all the family to get in some exercise and spend some quality time together. Just make sure they don’t constantly put you in goal! Basketball is another good option for getting all the family together; I have to say that the heart-warming scene in 'Father of the Bride' when Steve Martin is shooting hoops with his daughter is one of my favourite movie moments.
Walk The Line
Getting out for a walk with your little one in the buggy can have lots of benefits. Just being outside is beneficial to your mental health and fresh air can actually boost your energy levels. If you need an end goal you could head to a coffee shop for a caffeine hit and if you’d like some company, why not invite one of your mum friends along. If you simply want something to stop you getting bored, download a podcast and you can enjoy some escapism at the same time as getting your steps in.
Swimming
Just the thought of bringing my two kids swimming to a leisure centre gives me the shivers; swimming in the sea in Spain would be more up my street. However, if you’d love the opportunity to swim a few lengths, bring your partner along and take it in turns to head off to the ‘big’ pool while the other one plays with your little ducklings.
