This is a collaborative post
Being a parent is hard. Between all the whining, moaning and daily chores you have to do to keep these humans alive, it can be hard to find the motivation to workout or exercise. Exercising as a family may seem like a tedious idea – a chance for even more whining or moaning – but hear me out…the health benefits are huge! You never know, if you pick the right activity, the kids may even actually enjoy it! Read on for some easy ways to exercise as a family.
Take a walk
Going for an evening stroll is totally the new normal since the UK went under lockdown, so why not keep it up post lockdown? I certainly will be.
Walking to the shop instead of driving could have huge benefits for your health. I know many families are taking daily walks to run errands and leaving the car at home. Not only does this get blood pumping throughout the body, but on the way back, you have to carry the shopping, which will definitely work those muscles! Just 30 minutes of walking per day is enough to improve your health, both physically and mentally.
Just make sure, if you’ve got toddlers, that you take the buggy with you as well! As the last thing you need is to be dealing with a tantrum when you’re far from home because they’ve decided they cannot possibly walk any further!
Try activity days
Set it in stone that one day a week you’ll take part in a family activity. I know, I know, this could be a recipe for disaster. To keep it interesting you could try a different activity each week such as swimming, hiking or cycling. You could even try classes such as yoga or dancing. Once the kids start getting involved, I’m sure they’ll love it.
Take plenty of snacks to pre-empt the inevitable whining and a huge flask of coffee for you!
Get the kids involved in housework
Now this could be a huge win for you if you manage to pull it off. Housework is a great way to get the blood pumping and getting the kids involved inevitably means… less work for you.
Let them help with hoovering, dusting, putting clothes in the washing machine or gardening. Every little helps and if they do make a total hash of it, at least they tried!
Try these simple exercise ideas as a family and make sure to fit in rest and recovery which is equally as important! Recovery tools such as a massage gun or foam roller will help you to wind down and relax after a particularly gruelling workout, alongside a glass of wine of course!