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Workout Tips for Stay-at-Home Parents

Exercising with Kids Brings Plenty of Possibilities
-- By Liza Barnes, Health Educator

When I was pregnant with my daughter I asked a friend of mine, a mother of three, "Don't you get bored staying home with the kids all day?" Looking amused she replied, "Oh, I find stuff to do." Now that my own daughter is a year old, I know why this question entertained my friend.
Between nursing, changing diapers, preparing meals (and cleaning up after those meals), visiting the playground, and trying to squeeze in a shower, being bored is something I wish for! Life as a stay-at-home parent isn't all about Bon-Bons and soap operas (thank goodness!). Stay-at-home parents work just as hard as those who clock in elsewhere, and often find themselves stuck in the same no-time-to-exercise trap.
Regular workouts can bring peace to your day and fitness to your body. If you're desperate for fitness but can't seem to find the time, all you need is some planning and a little creativity.
8 Ways to Work-In a Workout
  1. Exercise with your kids. If your kids are old enough, let them bike while you run or rollerblade. Hiking makes for a fun family activity that keeps everyone shape. Or, create a fitness course in the backyard, complete with jump rope, jumping jack, and pushup stations.

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Member Comments About this Article
"I walk and put my baby in a back pack type of carrier. He loves it! He kicks his little legs when we move and it's rare for him to fuss when he's in it! It's been a life saver for me." -- HARAMAJM
"I workout (usually) first thing in the morning. I find that if I don't, I make excuses later, or I'm exhausted by the end of the day. I usually always use exercise DVD's-- Turbo Jam is my absolute favorite, and I can do it while the kids are asleep!" -- BESTLIFE1979
"I cannot function at all when I get up early but thankfully my almost 2 year old daughter likes to sleep in so I get about half an hour to work out before she wakes up if I don't sleep in. When I work out while she is awake she always copies what I do. It's nice to have an exercise buddy, although sometimes it's hard to keep a straight face when she does 'push-ups' and 'lunges'. It is really great that she is starting an active lifestyle at a young age!" -- VHSLUYS
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About The Author
Liza Barnes
Liza received her bachelor's degree in health promotion and education from the University of Cincinnati and is pursuing a master's degree in nurse midwifery. She is the proud mother of one daughter.
Liza Barnes Rothfuss

 


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