Are you frustrated that you don’t have enough time to exercise? Taking care of a toddler doesn’t leave much time for taking care of mommy. Here are five ways to exercise WITH a toddler. Your health matters and toddler will enjoy working out with mommy.
Although this was written when my son was a few years younger, I believe this is good for parents and kids at any age. It’s important to prioritize your health and your child’s. Spending time working out or exercising together can be a great way to spend time as a family and get some of that extra energy burned off.
Five Ways to Exercise with a Toddler
Get up earlier, stay up later, or get someone to watch your kids and go. That’s a solution to get some exercise. So when you get your exercise? It’s hard. Nothing is on your side for exercise. There’s no end to the work for moms and the time is really limited. I feel like my health is always on the bottom of the list so here are five ways to exercise with a toddler.
So what can you do? How about exercising with your toddler? You can definitely check out this link to youtube for exercises you can do with your toddler and baby. There are some great ways to play and lift with your little one.
And here are five other ideas that don’t mean you have to throw your child around like a sack of potatoes.
Swimming with Toddler
Aiden and I swim, a lot. We play and splash. He even swims some by himself now that he’s three. Check out how to teach your toddler to swim here if you’d like to learn how.
Water is great for resistance. When your kid is playing safely you can definitely get some work in. You can water walk, use water weights, and just move in the water. Just remember your in the water with your child. Please, Please, Please, don’t leave your kid in the water alone! Drowning is the leading cause of death in young children. Do not, ever, ignore your child in the water.
How do you work out when your child wants to be held? Do some water walking holding your child. When your child wants to sit on the wall and play with toys. Stay close and use your weights. When your child wants to swim across. Walk with them. You should move every way you can. That hits more muscle groups.
Calisthenics
Push-ups, squats, and jumping jacks. Anything that gets your heart rate up.
Your toddler can probably do this with you. Or they might have fun hopping on your back and adding some extra resistance.
I do squats and lunges with Aiden on my shoulders. It’s fun for both of us. That also means I can carry him when he gets tired because my body can handle the weight even now that he’s over 30 pounds.
Related post: PRESCHOOL GYMNASTICS CLASS REVIEW
Dancing
Dancing is by far my son’s favorite activity right now. He loves dancing to “there were 10 in the bed”.
Music is so good for kids. Dancing to their favorite songs makes both of you feel good. It’s more cardio for you and gets some the sillies out for your toddler. Who doesn’t love a tired toddler? Here are so toddler hits on youtube to try out.
Yoga
More and more places are offering mommy and me yoga classes (including the children’s garden). It’s a great way to stay in shape and get stronger. I did a ton of yoga before my son was born. It was twice a week in a class at the local YMCA. It fell away when I got pregnant and couldn’t reach my toes anymore.
I want to get back into it. It’s on the list.
Play
Finally, there’s nothing better than play. Running around after your toddler is part of every parent’s day. Spending time in the park. Getting the trucks out and racing at full sprint. Climbing and jumping. Happy, active kids need to have time play and active play is the best.
Here are some other articles by season for fun ideas:
SPRINGTIME BUCKET LIST FOR ACTIVE KIDS
5 WAYS TO BUST THE WINTER BLAH
Related post: 5 TIPS TO MAKE EXERCISE EASIER FOR THE BROKE, TIRED, AND BUSY PARENT
How are you going to keep active? Comment, like, share, and subscribe.
P.S. This is part of my New Years Resolutions. Check out:
NEW YEAR’S COMING, RESOLUTIONS 2018
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This is a great post! In my head, I always assumed that I would burn enough calories by just parenting alone, but it’s true, I need to get up and moving! These are fun ideas that I hope to try with my girls!
Calisthenics must be a fun and exciting way to bond and exercise with your kid. Also learning yoga together seems like a great idea as well. Thanks for sharing this!
You listed many great ways that moms can exercise with their kids. Some definite ways to get our exercise in is by playful parenting which may include dancing, swimming, kids yoga, playing in the yard, and letting the kiddos chase you around outside.