Being a parent is amazing, but it also makes exercising with kids harder. With school runs, work, and never-ending to-do lists, finding time for workouts can feel like a challenge. But staying fit with kids is possible if you plan for it. Here’s how.
1. Talk to Your Partner
Let your partner know that exercising with kids is important to you. Share your goals, figure out how much time you need, and support each other.
When both of you are on the same page, it’s easier to make time for workouts without feeling guilty or overwhelmed.
2. Make a Simple Plan
Before you start, get clear on what your workouts will look like:
- What do you want to achieve?
- How often can you exercise?
- What times work best for you?
- What workouts do you enjoy?
Having a plan makes it easier to stick to a routine.
3. Work as a Team
If you and your partner support each other, you’ll both have a better chance of staying consistent. Swap workout times, encourage each other, and celebrate progress. Helping your partner reach their goals makes it easier for you to reach yours.
4. Involve the Kids
Exercise doesn’t have to be separate from family time. Make it fun for everyone:
- Go for walks or bike rides together – Explore your neighborhood while staying active.
- Play active games – Run, jump, or dance with your kids.
- Use the playground – Do pull-ups, squats, or lunges while they play.
- Try home workouts – Let your kids join you for yoga, bodyweight exercises, or stretching.
When kids see their parents prioritizing exercise, they learn that movement is a normal part of life.
5. Find a Gym That Works for Your Family
A gym with a crèche can make workouts easier. Some gyms, like FIIT Project, welcome kids as long as they can sit and watch an iPad, read, or draw for an hour. Having a place where your kids can be comfortable makes it easier to stick to your routine.
6. Stay Organized and Prioritize
Time is tight as a parent, so planning ahead helps. Treat workouts like important appointments. Whether you exercise in the morning, during a lunch break, or after bedtime, find a time that works and commit to it.
Multitasking can help too—walk to do errands, do squats while cooking, or stretch while watching TV.
7. Be Flexible and Realistic
Some days won’t go as planned, and that’s okay. If you can’t make it to the gym, try a quick home workout. If you’re too tired for a full session, stretch or go for a short walk. Doing something is always better than doing nothing.
Many parents worry that taking time to exercise is selfish. But the truth is, looking after yourself helps you be a better parent. When you feel strong, healthy, and less stressed, you have more energy for your family.
Exercising with kids takes planning, but it’s worth it. Make movement a normal part of your day, involve your family, and support each other. When fitness becomes a habit, it’s no longer a chore—it’s just part of life.
