Exercise Tips for Stay at Home Parents
By Rachel Shouse
There has never been a shortage of opinions on stay-at-home parents since women started working outside the home and some men have decided to stay home with the kids. Everyone seems to be throwing advice at you. Telling you how important routines are, how to manage money, why you're making the best or worst choice, etc. Regardless of what others say, you're making the right choice for your family. Taking good care of yourself in that process is really important. Making sure you're getting enough exercise, no matter how you do so, is really important. Whether you like to workout at the gym, in your home, or outdoors there are ways to simplify it.
Getting Enough Exercise
Being a stay at home parent has its ups and downs for sure. One of the possible downs is that it can be difficult to find time or simply be able to get a workout in everyday. Here are some tips that might help make that a bit easier.
For Those Who Love the Gym
While some people like to go to the gym, others may prefer working out at home or outdoors. There are ways to make each scenario a bit more simple. If your gym has a daycare or nursery service available then that simplifies one of the hardest parts, finding a sitter. If your gym doesn't have a child care center, try asking a friend if you can take turns babysitting each other's kids throughout the week. You could also find more than one friend and come up with a schedule.
Working Out at Home
There are many reasons why some choose to work out at home. Some like to save money by avoiding gym costs, while others may choose this because of time. Driving to and from the gym can take quite a chunk of time depending on where you live. Regardless of why, working out at home can be great. Children can sometimes make that a challenge though. If getting a workout can be a struggle for you try either doing it when your kids are sleeping or think about ways that you can involve them. You could give them something that looks like a weight and have them work with you. It can be pretty easy to make things work with kids since their imaginations are always on high alert.
Getting Outside
Working out outside can be so relaxing. It can be hard to do with kids though. Depending on what type of workout you're doing that day, you could pack the kids up and put them in a stroller as one option. If your kids are old enough, you could also let them run with you or ride a bike. On days where you're not going far, take your kids outside with you and give them some toys. Chalk and bubbles usually keep younger kids entertained for a significant amount of time.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Dacula, Ga.