6 Ways for Busy Parents to Exercise

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Urbini. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and as a thank you for participating.

Between house work, managing kids, running errands and scrambling for dinner, it can be quite a challenge for moms and dads to find ways to incorporate exercise into their daily lives.  I’ve struggled with this lately but I keep reminding myself that with a little creativity I can squeeze in an extra few minutes of exercise here and there.  Even just a few thousand more steps a day makes me feel healthier and have more energy.

Here are a few ideas for moms and dads to make the most of their {limited} free time:

• 1.) Exercise with the Kids – When I was little I loved riding bikes with my dad.  It was a fun way to bond and experience nature together.  Other options might include a dance game on the Wii or Xbox, backyard volleyball, hiking, or swimming.  Your options are endless, just make sure you don’t let the kids know that they’re exercising!

• 2.) Work Out at the Playground – If you don’t want to do jumping jacks in front of all the other moms you could simply wear weights and increase your movement at the playground.  Walk around the playground or get involved and cross those monkey bars!

• 3.) Make it Fun – This is a favorite of mine!  I love to turn music on and dance.  This is a great way to get an extra little work out when cleaning or when playing with the kiddos.  Another idea is for you and your kid to lay on the floor and pretend you’re riding a bicycle, or that you are a sizzling piece of bacon, or…well, you get the picture!  This is also a good chance to work on their numbers or letters. With both of you laying on your back you can stretch your arms out wide and then clap above you while saying “A” and so on.  There are endless games you can make up and play together!

• 4.) Work out When They Do – This is an idea for older kids.  If your kid takes swimming, dance, or any other scheduled activity see what activities you can do while you wait.  Maybe you could do several laps in the pool while your child has their lesson {if your child isn’t totally mortified by the idea} or maybe there is a cycling class in the same building as your daughter’s dance class.  Soccer practice?  Go for a quick jog around the field while they practice.  I’m sure there are plentyof ideas you can come up with when you get creative!

• 5.) Walk Away the Weight – Something as simple as walking can help you reduce stress and lose weight.  For some parents, finding a few minutes to walk in the morning before everyone else wakes up might be ideal.  For others, a brisk walk before lunch with the stroller is their preferred option to get fit.  Whenever you can manage to squeeze in a walk you’ll be glad you did.  Walking is one of the simplest ways to get fit and improve your health.  Plus, I find that it’s a great time to talk with my husband when we walk together and a fun time to go on a scavenger hunt when I’m with the kids.

• 6.) Jog Briskly – Jogging is somewhere between walking and running.  I’ve always heard that a good jog or trot will increase your heart rate, endurance, and increase your caloric burn.  I’ve never been much of a runner per se but occasionally I like to run for a spell during a walk.  My Urbini Avi Jogger Stroller has been a fabulous addition to my walks.

I’ve never owned a stroller with such fabulous shocks…and just ask my husband, we have a lot of strollers.  {We have 6 in the garage at this time but hopefully we’ll unload a few at an upcoming community consignment sale!}  I can’t over emphasize how smooth it is to push.  The rubber wheels plus the shocks make this baby a dream to push.  During a recent walk my husband pushed my daughter in the Urbini stroller and I had our son in another stroller side by side.  The differences was visible!  My son was bouncing along {while we were just walking!} and my daughter sat much more still.

Not only does it ride smooth but it maneuvers well.  It has a simple switch to flip to lock the front wheel into place and a one step brake.  Easy peasy!  The generous and easy to access storage underneath is a big bonus too.

I have to mention the great safety features this stroller has.  A wrist strap, 5 point harness, and a reflective fabric on the shade, storage basket, and the seat belt.  I love it!  Oh, and they installed a small peek-a-boo window in the canopy so I can spy on my kiddo without stopping.  Knowing me and my out of shape body, I’ll probably still stop and check on her as an excuse to rest but maybe one day I’ll get to the point where I can just peer in the window.

Do you want to know my favorite part about this stroller?  It’s the cost!  This super nice stroller is only $199 at your local Walmart or on Walmart.com {I bought mine online – free shipping!}. Be sure to check out Urbini on Facebook and Twitter.

What about you?  What ways do you find to exercise after having kids?  I would love to hear your ideas!