Parents often hit drywall when it comes to continuing their workout regimen after the baby is born. We get you. Work hours, training, kids, and rest - and juggling it all simultaneously - is a daunting task, especially for new parents. However, there is a way out of this “impossible” situation.
What’s even better about it, you don’t have to sacrifice anything. All you have to do is learn a few tricks, and you will be in the gym before you know it. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of few tips to fit in workouts without breaking a sweat.
Organise family workout time
Parents with older kids can easily make physical activity a part of their family’s routine. If you have an older kid, you can organize family workout time. Physical activity is recommended
for kids who are three years old or older.
The trick is to set goals early on and make a sort of transition schedule. You don’t have to set your goals too high for starters, especially if you are not in your best shape. A 30 minutes long physical activity three times a week is an excellent regimen for starters.
You can take your entire family for a hike or organize a mini sports activity in your backyards. If you don’t know what’s best for your kids, you can always seek help from online professional trainers.
Chop up your workouts into smaller pieces
Some parents find it hard to go back to the gym because they can’t afford to be away from home for an hour or two. A workout and getting to and back from the gym often takes 2 hours, if not more, especially in urban areas with heavy traffic.
You can solve this problem easily. Look for a local gym so that you don’t waste too much time travelling. You would be surprised to find how many fitness centres exist nearby that you didn’t even know about.
Next, chop up your workouts into smaller pieces. This will allow you to complete your entire workout for the day while being away from home when your kids are busy doing something else. For instance, you can hit a local gym early, before you go to work and complete your workout in the late afternoon.
Switch child care duty with your partner
Child care duties can be exhausting, especially if you have a baby or a toddler. Fitting in a workout can seem impossible at this stage. However, you can make a deal with your partner. Your goal is to have just enough spare time to complete your workout and still be able to go to work.
Be honest with your partner about how much your workout means to you. Feel free to ask him/her if it is possible to switch child care duties. We are sure that you will be able to reach some agreement, as long as you stay faithful to your end of the deal.
Seek out gyms that offer a daycare
Don’t forget that modern businesses offer modern solutions. After all, a gym in its essence is a business, and many of them have recognized the unique needs of working parents who are interested in staying fit.
You should look for gyms with a daycare option. These gyms are great for working parents who want to relax and commit to their workout plan. Gyms with daycare have a section built to cater to the needs of kids of different ages.
Besides being able to workout with a piece of mind, you will also socialise your kid. Not to mention that you can meet the other working parents and potentially build new friendships.
Joint playtime with the kids
Working parents can leverage playtime to stay in shape. Joint playtime with kids is a great way to get your kids interested in sports. You will find your kids surprisingly interested in physical activity as long as you give them a chance.
If you choose to follow up on this advice, you will get the best of both worlds. First of all, playing with your kids will promote bonding and improve the relationship you have with them. And, second,
playing with kids is physically exhausting as you will soon find out.
Both you and your partner can do it at the same time. It is a great way to get back to physical activity and have some memorable moments with your kids. Whether it is a local playground or your backyard, it doesn’t matter, as long as it is a good sweat.
Plan ahead and get organised
Being an adult with a job and kids means that you are already on a schedule. While you may see this as an obstacle, it really is not. You just need to change your perspective. The one thing that a less flexible schedule offers as a perk, is the ability to plan.
You know precisely when you have some time to devote to your workout. Sit down and take a closer look at your schedule. Bring in your partner on it as well. Keep in mind that, for starters, you don’t need more than 30 to 45 minutes, three times a week.
With this and your day-to-day obligations in mind,
plan ahead and get organized. You will be able to find a few openings, and with the support of your partner, you will be back at the gym in no time.
