Parenthood can make it challenging to find time for gym visits and fitness classes. But just because you're strapped for time doesn't mean you have to count out fitness until the kids go away to college. In fact, parenthood offers plenty of opportunities to get fit and bond with your kids at the same time. The key is to treat playtime like a workout -- keep moving, and don't just sit on the sidelines to watch the action.
Step 1
Jump into a game of hopscotch with your kids. This old-fashioned sidewalk game is a childhood favorite -- not to mention a good way to work your leg muscles and core while improving your balance, says Mieke Scripps, a physical therapist for the Miami City Ballet. A 155-pound person can burn around 175 calories during 30 minutes of hopscotch play.
Step 2
Start a garden. Most kids love playing in the dirt -- and digging, planting and weeding can help a 150-pound person burn about 300 calories per hour.
Step 3
Play musical chairs with your kids. This classic childhood game requires you to walk around in a circle of chairs that has one too few seats for all the walkers; when the music stops or the caller says "now," all the walkers scramble to grab one of the chairs. Playing this game for half an hour, a 155-pound person can burn about 175 calories, according to Scripps.
Step 4
Take a class together. Though signing your kids up for sports is common, more and more programs are offering classes for kids and parents to take together. Sign up for parent-child classes like yoga, tennis, golf or martial arts, and get fit while you learn to do something new with your child. Between class time and practices, you and your child can both get a workout.
Step 5
Ride the teeter-totter to tone your legs. Pushing your way up and down works your leg muscles, including your quads, calves and hamstrings, says Scripps. A 155-pound person will burn only about 88 calories riding a teeter totter for 30 minutes, but it's a good workout for toning and tightening.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider teaming up with other parents for a weekly park date if you want a more intense workout: Speed-walk around the playground while the kids play together.
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