Finding time to exercise with kids

Exercise is a great way to lose weight, keep fit, and relieve stress. Keeping our bodies in motion is important for staying healthy and strengthening muscle mass. But how do you find time to exercise when you have kids and are always busy entertaining them, feeding them, and getting them ready for their daily routines (if yours are anything like mine, then they have busier social lives than I do)? It seems there is never enough time for yourself, much less to exercise when you have children to care for. But, surprisingly, there is.

Here are some tips for finding time to exercise with kids and keeping your body at its healthiest.

Exercise in the morning before the kids wake up

Sometimes, the best time of day to exercise is early in the morning when you can find more time for yourself. This may require getting up earlier, but even a half hour earlier can give you time to exercise and stay fit. Try setting your alarm a half hour earlier each day and walking outside (take a flashlight if it’s dark), getting on the treadmill, or exercising with a fitness DVD at home. If you are able to get yourself up a little earlier each morning, you’ll find the time to exercise when you have kids. Not only will you be able to get a daily exercise routine in each day, but you’ll also have more energy throughout the day and not have to worry about exercising later when the kids will be demanding more of your time. It’s almost like having a fresh cup of coffee in the morning to kick-start your day when you exercise before work.

Exercise right after work when the kids are still in school

If you finish work before your children finish school, you could exercise for even half an hour each day. If your child attends an after-school club, try to fit in a little exercise. Then, it’s almost like a bonus hour in your day. You could even ditch the car in favour of walking to pick up the children. Then they will also benefit from some exercise on the way home from school and hopefully, sleep better for it too.

Another idea is to schedule another family member or close trusted friend to pick up your child at school and take him for a bit so you can exercise. This will help you to find more time. You can take it in turns to return the favour too – who wouldn’t like an extra hour or so in their day?

Exercise with kids – include them into your routine

Take a walk together around the neighbourhood or head to the park for some fresh air and exercise. Children should be exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, so including them in your daily exercise routine is a great way to keep both of you healthy. Ride bikes together, play basketball, or even go sledge riding in the winter (walking up the hill is a great exercise for you both).

Find things that you and your child can do together for exercise every day

If you can’t get outside, put in an exercise DVD or even Just Dance and have your child do it with you. Lots of kids love to do the things their parents are doing so getting your child involved in exercise should be fairly easy. You could even run around the house for a half hour, do jumping jacks together, or practice doing sit-ups and push-ups together. Not only will you and your child get great exercise, but you’ll also be bonding together, making the time you spend as a family more special and fun.

Tell your child that you need a half hour to yourself every day to exercise

Find something constructive for your child to do so that you can get on the treadmill, pop in an exercise DVD, or do stretching exercises every day. Help your child to understand that you need to exercise daily and that if they can give you just half an hour each day, you’ll do something fun together when you’re finished.

Giving your child an outcome of spending time with you if they let you exercise for a half hour will help them to let you do your thing, knowing they’ll be able to have your time later. Try to keep this routine at the same time each day so your child understands that this is your time. You could exercise right after work and then have your child help you with dinner each night (family bonding). You could exercise after dinner and play games with your child until bedtime. Just try to keep your promise of spending time with your child so that they allow you to have time to exercise.