How To Exercise With Kids Around

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The kids are all home now – all-the-time. But mama still needs to workout! Let’s chat about how to exercise with kids around and 8 actionable tips.

8 tips how to exercise with kids around from a mom of 4

Why do you workout?
How to exercise with kids around
8 tips to allow you to exercise with kids around
More resources to help you exercise with kids around

Why do you workout?

There are so many reasons behind why we choose to workout. My number one reason – a mental break.

I also love feeling strong and the happy endorphins I get from a good workout is a bonus.

Has your exercise looked different over these past few months? Gyms have been closed for us, and we’ve been home. I have’t been teaching group fitness classes so my sole exercise motivation comes from me. I’d love to hear what it’s been like for you in the comments below!

How to exercise with kids around

If you typically had a workout routine that happened when kids were at school, then you might be thrown for a loop. Or maybe your little ones were always around, but you just find it a struggle to workout when they are around. Today I’m sharing 8 tips for exercising with kids around.

8 tips to allow you to exercise with kids around

1) Have a plan for your workout

Know what workout video, or movement you would like to do in advance so that you’re not having to decide while you’re distracted by kids.

2) Involve them!

Kids love modeling what you do. You may have to pause a little more than you’d like, but over time as they see you moving and exercising, they will model more and more and join in. You are setting an amazing example. You can always choose a workout geared for kids and adults.

3) Take your workout outside

Head to a grassy spot and let your kids run free while you do some body weight movements.

4) Turn your workout into a game.

Who can run faster? Do more pushups? Hold a yoga post longer? Involve them in a silly way where you both get movement in.

5) Split your workout up

If you can’t fit in 20-30 minutes all at once, split your movement up throughout the day. It all adds up. 5 minutes here and there will quickly add up to a lot of intentional movement throughout the day.

6) Wake up earlier

If kids make it truly impossible to workout with them around, wake up 10-20 minutes earlier than normal to workout. Getting exercise in first thing in the morning will set you up for more calm throughout the day, along with beginning your day with self care.

7) Lower your expectations

Hour long workouts may not happen. What would it look like if you were okay with a 20 minute workout? Or 2 separate 15 minute movement breaks?

8) Relax on screen time

We try out best to limit screen time, which has been a challenge during the pandemic. If you truly can only find time to workout when you child is watching something else, use those 20-30 minutes for yourself!