How To Sneak A Workout In While Taking Care of Your Preschooler

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How to exercise while taking care of your preschooler

I remember that I had put on 18 kgs of excess weight in both my pregnancies. Not a very happy number but both the times I had water retention and it took me some time to get back into shape. As a first time mom, I took almost a year and a half to even start my fitness journey. I was so wrapped in the whole new equation of being a mom and balancing my new life.

Me back then

Me after I took up fitness in a few years.

The second time around I told myself that it is no excuse for letting myself go. I wish I had pictures to share of how I managed my fitness from way back then, however, here is how I did it even when my baby was a preschooler and I hope you can derive some tips from these.

Take your kids to a park each evening

This was my break too. I would take the stroller or even walk with him and while he played in the park, I could catch up with other moms and exercise. Just spread your yoga mat and practice some basic yoga asanas and stretching. Every small session counts and eventually these minutes will add up to help you maintain your weight and tone up your body.

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Break your workout into 10-minute segments

With your toddler or preschooler around who demand much of your time and attention, it might be impossible for you to go for a full-fledged 30-60 minute workout session. Therefore, it is wise to break your workout into 10-minute segments. During the day, you can stay in your activewear and play a workout DVD or download some youtube videos on your phone that have workouts in ten-minute segments.

Join a swimming class with your kid

Kids of all age-groups love playing in the water. Also, swimming happens to be a full-body workout that is enjoyable yet manages to tone up all the muscles of your body. The best part is that you can get to spend some quality time with your kids. I used to put my little one in a life jacket when he didn’t know how to swim and between my hubby and I we would take turns and swim with him and alternate between taking laps in the pool.

Have a dance party with your kids and partner each weekend

Dancing is a great way to get your body moving and to burn a lot of calories without realising it. Have fun while you burn that flab. Your kids would love to swing to the tunes and you will have a gala time together, as a family.

Play with your kid

Moving up and down the stairs, crawling with your kids around the house or playing with them around the house is a great way to burn some calories each day. Do some planks and push-ups while you are sitting on the floor playing with your kids. As mentioned earlier, these small efforts add up for a fitter version of you.

Rent out a jogger or treadmill

While I didn’t do this but have mentioned it here as I think it’s a great tip. You could rent out a treadmill or buy a second hand one to catch up on some degree of exercise at least. You can do this when your kid is watching TV or even when he or she is sleeping. Utilize this “me” time for exercise.

And once in a while, ask a family member to take care of your kid while you head out for a proper workout at least, once or twice a week or greater results but even if you can’t don’t worry there is no rush. What I have suggested will also help. You just have to be mindful of making exercise and fitness a part of your daily routine while you are taking care of your preschooler. Happy exercising!!

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