Fun Tips to Stay Active for Stay-At-Home Parents

As a stay-at-home parent, finding the time to work out can be tough when most of your time is devoted to taking care of your family. Luckily, we have some creative tips to help you stay active, while still maintaining your parental duties!  Staying active is not only important for your health, but also sets a great example for your young ones.  So what are you waiting for? Read on to discover some fun ways to have an active lifestyle without having to go to the gym.

Engage in Family Playtime

Kids love to be active—so why not join the fun and increase your activity level too?  Entertain your kids while sneaking in a workout for yourself by encouraging activities that get you both moving. Go for a bike ride or hike together. Have a dance party in the living room. Play tag with your kids and their friends. The list is endless, and you’ll be having so much fun you’ll barely even notice you’re working out!

Take a Stroll with a Jogging Stroller

It can be difficult to find the time to get outside and walk or jog when you’re taking care of young children.  With a baby jogger, you have the time and freedom to go outside and get active, while also keeping an eye on your little one.  Investing in a baby jogger will encourage you to move every day because you will have no excuse not to. As an added bonus, pushing the stroller will give your arms and core a killer workout!

Strap on Your Baby Carrier

If your infant is too young or small to be comfortable in a jogger, that’s ok!  You can still get active while staying close to your baby. Safely strap baby to you in their baby carrier and go for a brisk walk or bring baby along on your daily errands. Put on some light wrist weights and pump your arms if you want to make it more challenging.  The added weight will give your legs and abs a great workout and burn tons of calories!  Plus, babies love being close to their parents.  It’s a win-win!

Get Creative with “Weights”

Even if you don’t have time to hit the gym, that doesn’t mean you can’t tone your muscles at home!  You’d be surprised at how many things you have at home that can double as exercise equipment. Use milk jugs as dumb bells. A gallon of milk weighs about 8.5 lbs. You could also use laundry detergent to complete your free weight workouts.  A 72oz bottle of detergent is about 5 lbs. Chairs also make great fitness equipment. Use them for tricep dips or one-legged lunges. Lastly, your staircase can be great for calf-raises, pushups, lunges or for getting in a quick cardio workout.   Get creative!

Pop-In an Exercise Video

If you love fitness classes, but no longer have time to attend them, invest in some workout videos!  There are tons of options out there, so no matter what type of workout you’re looking for, there will be something for you.  You’ll get the instruction and coaching of a group fitness class without the hassle of traveling to the gym or studio. Some are only 20-30 minutes, so they’re quick and easy to complete during nap time. 

Do you have any more tips for how to stay active as a stay-at-home parent?  Share them with us!

Sources:

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=483
http://skinnyms.com/5-household-items-to-use-as-exercise-equipment/