Finding time to exercise with our busy lives can be hard, but if you’re also looking after your children, exercise can seem impossible. However, exercise is essential for your overall health, as it can help boost your energy, mental health and wellbeing.¹

It is also possible to make time for your children, while also looking after yourself. All that is needed is a little creativity and determination.

Sneak in incidental exercise

Incidental exercise is fitting a small amount of exercise or movement throughout the day which can make a positive difference to your wellbeing.² Choose to walk with the stroller or with your child wherever you go, as it’s a great way to achieve your daily 10,000 step goal. You can also build up your high intensity and body weight exercise by running up stairs, doing dips, push-ups or squats in the park.

Make a commitment

Don’t fit exercise into your day, but plan your day around an exercise routine instead. Make exercise a priority and soon enough, it will become a habit that is established for life.

Try online classes or exercise videos

There are hundreds of exercise classes that you can view online for free. This enables you to workout anywhere, anytime. Thirty minutes is all it takes to reap the benefits of exercise.³

Get your children involved

If you have a baby, then get on the floor and play with them while you are doing your crunches, squats and other exercises. You can even use them as props for the extra weight! If your child is older, then involve them in your exercise routine.

Have a dance party!

Plan a fun dance party with your children! This is a great way to bond with your child, while exercising together at the same time. Jumping, dancing and twirling will have you both sweating in no time.

Exercise with other families

There are many parent friendly exercise classes where you can take your children and exercise with like-minded parents (subject to any COVID-19 restrictions in your area). This will allow you and your child to make friends while staying fit and healthy.

Be kind to yourself

Remember to always check with your doctor before starting an exercise routine. Make sure you start slowly and build up gradually to help avoid the risk of injury.

Establishing a regular exercise routine may take time, however missing a day or two once in a while is ok. It’s all about consistency and resuming again, which will result in establishing a habit that will last a lifetime.

Blog post written by Complete Corporate Wellness. Visit their website: https://www.completecorporatewellness.com.au/

This blog post provides general information only. It is not intended to provide health or medical advice and is not a substitute for seeking professional advice about your health or medical needs.

References

1. Beyond Blue, “Exercise your way to wellbeing”, Beyond Blue, beyondblue.org.au/personal-best/pillar/supporting-yourself/exercise-your-way-to-good-mental-health
2. Scott Haywood, “Weight loss secret – incidental exercise”, weightloss.com.au,  weightloss.com.au/exercise/exercise-articles/incidental-exercise
3.  Edward R. Laskowski, M.D, “How much should the average adult exercise every day?”, Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise