Are you the parent of a child and would you like to continue to exercise, lose weight or get fit, but do you have little time? Here are some tips that can help.
Tip 1: Play along
For school-age children it is wonderful to have a break after a day of sitting still and paying attention. Preferably outside with a tumblemat. Play along with them. Good for your fitness. Plus: with half an hour of intensive sport on an air mat, kicking a ball or playing tag, you will burn about 150 kilocalories. That is the same as with a brisk long walk. Bonus tip: skipping rope is a popular workout for a reason, it is good for your coordination, endurance, timing, strength and speed.
Tip 2: Baby biceps training
Playing a plane is not only fun for your baby, it is also good for your arms. Lie on your back with your baby on your stomach on an air tumble track. Lift it up and then gently lower it back down. Your child likes it and you train your biceps and triceps. When your kids are older you can fight fake swords. Through “the fight” you strengthen your upper and forearms. Tug of war and climbing in a climbing frame are also excellent arm workouts.
Tip 3: Curl up peek-a-boo
Another quick baby workout: Lie with your back on the air mat with your knees pulled up. Place your baby on your stomach and rest him with his back against your thighs. Now you can start with your abs exercises. In the meantime, you can play peek-a-boo with your baby or give him a kiss now and then. In older children, pretend that you are acrobats in a circus and try to balance your child on your knees. Hello, abs!
Tip 4: Kill two birds with one stone
Household chores are actually a workout in themselves. But which chores burn the most calories? Cleaning the bathroom, including mopping the floor, equates to 400 calories per hour. Running errands burns 275 calories per hour.
Tip 5: Exercise together
You can of course also take your child with you when you go to exercise. For example, go jogging behind the pram or take a brisk walk with your toddler (in the buggy). Another idea: don’t take your children to the nursery or school by car, but take the bike or go for a walk. It may take more time, but you will have finished a workout right away.
