For many parents, finding the time to workout can be a challenge, especially when having a toddler at home means that childcare duties take priority over staying active.
Since your day is dedicated to caring for and keeping up with your toddler, you may get to the evening feeling completely drained of energy.
Having a toddler doesn’t mean that you need to abandon a workout routine. Aside from the physical aspects, working out is a great stress reliever. Working out with your toddler is a great way to have fun together and due to how active most toddlers are, it can help to keep them entertained.
If you are looking for inspiration regarding effective ways of working out with your toddler, we have provided you with some ideas below.
Get your toddler involved
Many exercises call for the use of weights to maximize the effectiveness but why not get your toddler involved by using them. From pushups to squats and lunges, using your toddler as your weight will make them feel much more involved in the activity. These exercises needn’t be overly strenuous, but a few reps can help to tone your upper body.
This method is also great for leg workouts. Sit on the floor with your toddler on your shins and lift your leg. Of course, ensure that you are balanced correctly so that there is no risk of you getting injured or your toddler falling off. Again, this is a great way of strengthening your leg muscles whilst making the activity fun for your toddler.
Have a dance party
Many toddlers love to dance, so you are bound to be greeted with an enthusiastic response to the suggestion of a dance party. You can either follow a dance workout video with your toddler dancing along beside you, or you can go freestyle and simply make up the moves as you go.
Dancing works out the whole body and helps to improve muscle strength, balance, and coordination whilst burning lots of calories. A great thing about this workout suggestion is that it is likely to be super enjoyable for both you and your toddler.
Spend time together outdoors
I’m sure your toddler will be thrilled at the thought of spending time outdoors engaging in sport or playing in the park. There are many ways of incorporating exercise into a trip to the park.
Whether you spend your time running around after your toddler as they make their way from one piece of equipment to another, or you practice some squats as you push them on the swings, you can focus on working out and your toddler can focus on having fun.
Another option is to go for a walk. You may choose to take your toddler on foot or in their pram if you intend to embark on a long walk where they may become tired.
Walking is often overlooked but it is a very effective way of keeping fit. It’s a great calorie burner and can also help to improve stamina. Following a scenic route provides a great way for your children to take in their surroundings and enjoy the fresh air.
Use short exercise videos
When you have an active toddler on your hands, you don’t often have a lengthy amount of time to dedicate to your workout routine. A solution to this issue is to make use of shorter workout videos.
Impressively, there are many videos that are around 10 minutes long and offer a quick way of working out when you can grab a few minutes to yourself.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to workout for longer than 10 minutes, you have the flexibility to complete different short exercise videos throughout the day.
Make playtime exercise time
Playtime provides a great way of exercising. Rather than sitting down to play with toys and watch the television, encourage your toddler to get active.
Use their toys to make it more appealing or create a fun obstacle course using resources and furniture inside your home. It doesn’t need to be anything extortionate but something that encourages your toddler to explore their settings and figure out how they are going to make it from the start of the course to the end.
It can also be hugely beneficial for the development of their motor skills. As the parent, you can get involved in the fun and burn calories as you do so.
Take advantage of nap time
As a parent, it is important to utilize any free time that you have. Why not fit in a quick workout while your toddler is enjoying their daily nap.
Even if you only have half an hour to yourself, you can fit in a quick home workout, or if you prefer you can take them on a walk or run in their stroller. Although this time is a little limited, completing a quick workout is likely to leave you feeling energized and refreshed.
Create a routine
Although it can be difficult to follow a routine when you have a toddler to care for, having a structure in place can be very beneficial.
If you have a partner that is at home at the same time, take it in turns to alternate your parenting duties, so that you each have time for yourself.
Workout with others
If you have friends or other family members with toddlers, you may choose to workout together. You can do this by enjoying a walk or run together, attending play dates, or taking a trip to the park.
Whilst your toddlers enjoy socializing and playing together, the adults can get in their daily exercise.
Final Thoughts
Whilst working out with a toddler is slightly more challenging, it isn’t impossible. There are several ways of making exercise fun for you and your children whilst providing you with a great opportunity to bond with one another.
Although, the initial thought of working out in the company of your toddler may seem daunting, as you can see there are many effective workout options, from spending time outdoors together to getting your little ones involved with exercising.