Being a busy mom often means finding time to exercise is hard. Research shows that when you become a parent, you may exercise less. This is especially true for moms and dads who work. Things like not having enough time, looking after kids, and feeling guilty can stop you from staying active.
What if I told you that working out can actually be good for you and your kids? Finding ways to run and do other activities daily can break those barriers. It can help you make exercise a regular part of your life as a mom.
Key Takeaways
- Parenthood often leads to a decline in physical activity, particularly for working moms and dads.
- Prioritizing your own exercise has significant benefits for your health and family.
- Being an active parent can inspire your children to adopt lifelong healthy habits.
- Finding ways to incorporate running and other activities into your daily routine can help make fitness sustainable.
- Overcoming barriers like lack of time and childcare responsibilities is possible with a little creativity.
The Importance of Staying Active as a Mom
Being a parent makes it hard to keep up with exercise. Still, studies show staying active benefits you greatly. It’s good for your health and shows your kids the importance of staying active.
Research Highlights the Benefits of Exercise for Parents
Research shows that when people become parents, they exercise less. This is especially true for those who work. They face issues like finding time, taking care of the kids, and feeling guilty for not spending that time with them.
But staying active is vital. It helps your body and mind feel better. It also boosts your energy and helps you handle the challenges of being a parent.
Setting a Positive Example for Children
Kids tend to pick up healthy habits if they see their parents being active. This was the case for athletes like Jake Wightman and Eilish McColgan. They got inspired by their sporty parents.
By exercising yourself, you encourage your kids to stay active. This leads to everyone in the family feeling healthier in both body and mind.
Finding time for exercise as a mom means getting clever with your schedule. It might also mean changing how you think about your day. But the benefits are massive. It improves your fitness and sets a great example for your children. Staying active is a win for the whole family’s health.
| Recommendations for Active Moms | Benefits of Exercise for Parents |
|---|---|
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Fitting in Exercise with a Newborn
When you’re a new parent, focusing on rest and your own recovery is important. Instead of running right away, try exercises like strengthening your pelvic floor. However, it’s still possible to fit in exercise into your daily life. Dads, for example, can run to work or take a run during lunch to help their partner at home. Both parents might also find using a home treadmill useful or join exercise classes that welcome babies. It’s also a good idea to connect with other new parents for tips on how to make time for exercise.
Tips for New Moms and Dads
Exercising after giving birth helps with recovery, regains strength, and boosts mood. Even small exercises, like physical activities for 10 to 15 minutes, can be very beneficial, studies show.
- Integrate squats, push-ups, lunges, and tricep dips into an easy post-baby workout.
- Turn cleaning into a workout with lunges while vacuuming or squats while picking up toys.
- Try baby-wearing exercises for a fun and effective way to build strength.
- Keep a fitness log or use an app to watch your progress and keep you motivated.
Home Workout Options
Home workouts are great for busy parents. HIIT is a short and intense exercise that burns a lot of calories. It’s very good for the heart and can be done in sessions of 15 to 20 minutes. Some people like to do virtual workouts at home, where different lengths are available to fit any schedule.
| Home Workout Benefits | Potential Challenges |
|---|---|
| Flexibility to fit workouts into your schedule | Lack of accountability and motivation without an in-person class |
| No need for childcare or transportation | Potential distractions from family members or household tasks |
| Access to a variety of workouts tailored to specific goals | Limited space or equipment at home |
The best routine is one that suits you and your family. It could be running, HIIT, or post-baby fitness classes. What matters most is keeping at it and looking after your body and mind as a new parent.
Running as a Physical Activity for Moms with Toddlers
Being a mom with a toddler, it’s hard to find time for working out. However, if you start to run, things can change a lot. Running strollers make it easy to exercise while taking your toddler with you.
The Convenience of Running Strollers
When your baby hits about 6 months, you can use a running stroller. These strollers have changed how parents work out, letting them run with their children. Some moms have even set world records and finished marathons while using these strollers.
Running strollers mean you don’t have to worry about leaving a baby who needs you at home. You can get back into running and bring your kids along. It’s a great way for both you and your little ones to be active together.
Looking to run races or just jog every day? Running strollers are perfect for keeping moms fit with their kids. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Exercising with School-Age Children
When our kids start school, we get more chances to exercise. For example, we can run while they’re at school. Or we might work out together during the school run. Olympian Jo Pavey has her kids play in the sand while she trains nearby.
Joining a kids running club or events like parkrun with children can be fun. It helps make fitness something we all do together. Planning and being open to new ideas helps mix family time with exercise.
Involving Kids in Your Workouts
Getting our kids to exercise with us can be enjoyable. Eliza Belle works out at work for three days, adding up to six hours a week. Chrissa Benson moves for at least five minutes every day, and that often turns into more. Charne Greene joins a workout class with Stroller Strong Moms multiple mornings a week. Including them in our activities, like strength training or running, can make fitness a family experience.
Family-Friendly Running Activities
Looking into family-friendly running activities involves everyone. Things like parkrun with children or obstacle courses are engaging. Jennifer Mazzoni does yoga and meditates before her day, for 20-30 minutes. Alena Gerst has a weekly Pilates class and swims briefly during lunch to keep fit. Finding events for both kids and adults makes exercise enjoyable and builds strong health habits.
Making Time for Exercise as a Busy Mom
Finding time for exercise as a mom can be really tough. With work, kids, and a home to look after, it’s hard to stay active. Yet, a bit of creativity and determination can help you fit in workouts. This way, you can stay healthy and keep moving.
Eliza Belle is a great example. She has found ways to exercise during the workday even with a busy job and kids. “I choose the stairs over the elevator. And I do squats or lunges in my office when I’m free,” she explains.
Chrissa Benson also adapts to keep active. “If I miss the gym, I’ll do jumping jacks or dance with my kids,” she says. She thinks taking every chance to move, even for a short time, is key.
The trick for moms is to be ready, look for chances, and be kind to yourself. By being flexible and creative, you can keep exercise regular.
- Know why you want to exercise. This will help you stay motivated.
- Do some squats while you brush your teeth or take the stairs. It all adds up.
- Try at-home workouts and office workouts to see what fits your schedule.
- Get help from family and friends for childcare or housework, so you can have more time to exercise.
- Stay positive about small wins and be patient. Getting into a good exercise routine takes time.
As a mom, don’t forget about your health. When you make time for exercise, you feel better in body and mind. Plus, you’re showing your kids a great example. So, look for ways to keep moving every day.
Conclusion
Becoming a parent brings big challenges in staying active, but you can still run and keep fit as a mom. It’s important to care for yourself. Doing so, you show your kids the value of health and exercise.
To keep running, think outside the box and enjoy the community of other active parents. You can still run with a stroller or involve your kids in your exercises. Or, you might find some time alone to run, even during the busiest times.
Remember, running is not just about the body. It helps your mind, gives you more energy, and shows your family good habits. So, face the challenges, stay open to new ideas, and keep running and exercising. It’s key to a happy, healthy family life.
FAQ
How can new parents start incorporating exercise into their daily routine?
When can parents start running with their children in a stroller?
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What are some tips for busy moms to make time for exercise?
Aine Austria is a content creator, freelancer, entrepreneur, essential oils educator, nacho lover, and mom to an adorable daughter. She helps aspiring mom bloggers and entrepreneurs launch their blog, alongside other money-making opportunities. Aine believes that everyone has a story to tell and that their experiences and talents can be shared with the world.
Aine’s passion for writing and sharing her knowledge with others started at a young age. Growing up, she always loved to read books, write stories, and express herself through words. She strongly believes that moms can still pursue their dreams and passions while raising a family, and she aims to inspire other moms to do the same through her work.
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