Moms and Dads

10 Tips for Staying Active as a Busy Parent

by Gretchen Gatan Fragada
September 12, 2023

Maintaining an active lifestyle can be challenging especially if you’re a busy parent — but here are some tips on how you can incorporate staying active in your daily routine.

Every modern parent who wears multiple hats knows that parenting is a demanding job. In fact, most of the time, it leaves little to no time for personal well-being. With endless diaper changes, breastfeeding on demand, school runs, and bedtime routines, staying active can seem impossible. However, maintaining an active lifestyle is essential for both physical and mental health. So here are some practical tips on how parents can stay active amidst their busy schedules.

10 Tips for Staying Active as a Busy Parent

1. Family Activities

One of the best ways to stay active as a parent is to involve the whole family! So plan activities that everyone can enjoy, such as hikes, bike rides, or even a game of tag in the backyard or park. This not only keeps you active but also creates precious bonding moments with your children.

2. Incorporate Exercise into Daily Tasks

Turn daily chores into exercise opportunities! Squats while picking up toys, lunges while vacuuming, or calf raises while washing dishes — these small additions to your routine can make a big difference over time.

3. Make the Most of Nap Time

When your little one is napping, seize the opportunity to get some exercise in. You can follow along with a quick workout video or do yoga. If possible, you can even try taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood. These short bursts of activity can definitely boost your energy levels.

4. Prioritize Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for overall health and energy levels. Ensure you are well-rested to have the energy and motivation to stay active during your waking hours.

5. Join Parent-Child Classes

There are many schools and programs that offer parent-child exercise classes like The Little Gym, Aqualogic, and Kindermusik. You can do baby gymnastics, parent-baby swimming, or music and movement classes together! These classes provide an opportunity to exercise with your child, meet other parents, and stay active.

6. Home Workouts

Invest in some basic workout equipment like resistance bands, dumbbells, or a yoga mat. This allows you to exercise at home whenever you have a spare moment, without the need for a gym membership.

7. Set Realistic Goals

Be realistic about your fitness goals and adapt them to your current lifestyle. Instead of aiming for hours at the gym, focus on achievable targets like 20-minute workouts or reaching a certain number of steps per day.

8. Involve Your Children

Include your children in your exercise routine! Go for a walk with the stroller, play active games like hide and seek, or let them do simple exercises like jumping jacks. It’s a win-win — you get active, and they have fun while burning all the extra energy.

9. Establish a Routine

Routine is key for parents. Set a consistent schedule for your workouts, so they become a natural part of your day. Whether it’s early in the morning before your child wakes up, during lunch breaks, or after bedtime, consistency is essential.

10. Embrace Multitasking

As a parent, multitasking is second nature. Use this skill to your advantage by combining activities. For instance, take your child on a bike ride to the park, where you can both get exercise and have quality time.

Staying Active as a Parent is Definitely Possible

Staying active as a parent might be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By incorporating these tips into your daily life, you can maintain a healthy and active lifestyle while taking care of your children. Remember that every bit of movement counts, and setting a positive example of an active lifestyle can have a lasting impact on your children’s well-being, too. So, lace up those sneakers, grab your stroller, and start making physical activity a part of your modern parenting journey!