The Parent Trap: Fitting in
Time for Fitness By Denise Michelle Nix
From Team Beachbody - Click here for resources, tools and
information to help you to reach your health, fitness and positive lifestyle
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When most people think "exercise," they
picture themselves spending an hour hitting
P90X® or taking a long run
on the beach. Busy parents, with schedules crammed full of carpooling, cooking
and, often, work outside the home, find they can't even think of exercise
seriously, let alone do it. Sure, once the kids are a little older or maybe on
the weekend, but now? Today?
Yes, today. Ideally, you'll make that time
for yourself, but when it falls through the cracks, fitness and health experts
agree that fitting fitness into parenting just takes a little creativity. "The
hard part is parents really have to build the time in," said Eric Thompson,
senior director of communications and marketing for the American Heart
Association. "Being fit is all about habits—habits you form when you're
younger that carry you through life."
However, experts agree, it's never too late
to start those healthy habits. Here are ten ways busy parents can fit a little
extra fitness into their lives:
Chores
You've gotta cook. You've gotta clean. There
are ways to squeeze in some love for your body, while doing those things you
love to hate.
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 Anybody can
just push a vacuum around, but then that person's not getting the full benefits
of this otherwise rueful activity. Instead, use deep knee bends while pushing
the vacuum out, being sure to tighten and hold the abdominal muscles and
buttocks, keeping your back straight. Be sure to switch the lunging leg every
few pushes.
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How many hours a day does a parent
spend standing before a sink of dirty dishes? Make better use of that time by
working out your legs with side leg lifts. Begin on two feet, then lift one leg
slowly out to the side until it reaches about a 45-degree angle. Hold it there
for 5 seconds, using the thigh muscle to keep it aloft. Switch to the other
foot. Repeat each leg 10 times.
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Young children means lots and lots
of toys. Of course, we want them to clean up after themselves, but we know who
really does most of the picking up. Carry a laundry basket or satchel around
and bend both knees deep beside each toy to pick up. While squatting, keep your
back straight and tighten your abs. Walking and squatting to each toy can
quickly translate into dozens of toning squats.
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Finding workout tools in the
kitchen is just as easy as finding cooking gadgets. Next time you find yourself
still before a boiling pot of macaroni and cheese, grab a couple of cans from
the pantry and do bicep curls. Grasping the can, leave your elbows still and
bent at your side. Keep tension in your upper arm as you curl the can up.
Repeat 10 curls on each arm.
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With the kids
What does any kid want more than their
parents' attention? Here are some ways to stay involved with your kids, get
some exercise, and have some fun!
-
 There are some
obvious things we can do with our children that are both healthy and fun; it's
just we sometimes forget or, really, are just too lazy. Walking is often
overlooked as an easy and convenient way to exercise, as we're all so quick to
jump in our cars for every little errand. It may take more time to walk to the
store, but the benefits are worth it. And what better way to burn some extra
kid energy? Better yet, have your kids ride their bikes, scooters, or
skateboards—and try to keep up!
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Everyone encourages their kids to
get involved in team sports like soccer or baseball . . . but who says they
should be the only ones exercising? While your kids are at practice, bring your
iPod® and take laps around the field (just be sure to keep an eye on them
and offer encouragement!). Not all sports need to be organized. Next time your
kids are vying for some parent time, take them outside for a vigorous game of
tag or soccer yourself.
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Don't use dreary weather as an
excuse to keep you from moving about; there's plenty to do inside with your
kid. Turn on the music and dance! Need some inspiration? Check out
Shaun
T's Fit Kids® Club or
Get Real with Shaun T for families who like to groove. Also, Tony Horton's Tony
& the Kids! DVD is a fun and wacky way for the whole family to get
fit.
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Downtime
The long day of trudging through the grind
is over, and who wouldn't be tempted to sink into a comfy couch, remote in
hand, and just laze away into the night? But remember that every few minutes of
exercise counts, so, sure, take a load off here and there to regroup. Just be
sure to take breaks and get moving.
-
 Commercial
breaks generally last about 2 minutes. Figuring there are five commercials in
any given 1-hour show, that's 10 minutes of movement you can sneak in right
there. Crunches, push-ups, and jumping jacks are classic exercises you can do
just about anywhere at any time. And if you're watching back-to-back shows,
squeeze in a
10-Minute
Trainer® session during the break. But to make sure you don't miss one
thrilling minute of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, warm up
during the first show's commercial break and cool down during the second
show.
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Yoga can be an excellent source of
exercise, but it's also a great way to relax. And it just feels good to get
those kinks out. If you don't know where to start, take a look at
Yoga
Booty Ballet for yoga workouts to awaken your mind and your body to the
possibilities.
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There is no bigger time waster
than waiting for a kid to brush his teeth or put on her pajamas. Use that time
wisely. Instead of hanging around the bathroom sink listlessly, grasp on with
your hands for some slow, deep squats. Work your abdomen at the same time by
keeping those muscles tight. Remember to keep your back straight. Repeat 10
times.
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