If you're a parent and hoping to take your fitness to the next level this new year, you are facing some challenging obstacles. For parents with young children, finding time to attend fitness classes or go to the gym is hard, especially because it is hard to find time and childcare for kids while you work out. At home workouts are also difficult to complete if you have the demands of parenting interrupting you. These fitness tips can help you stick to your goals.
1. Look for facilities that provide childcare.
Some gyms and community fitness centers provide childcare for people who have memberships. You can drop your child off to attend certain classes, and still have time to shower. Some places provide both morning and evening childcare hours. For community centers, childcare programs can be advanced. They might offer crafts, songs, reading, or other child education activities to make it a good time for both you and your children.
2. Get up a bit early.
It hard to say no to even more sleep as a parent, but a slight change in your schedule can give you time where you didn't have it before. Try waking up twenty minutes earlier in the day and going for walk, doing a quick yoga video, or streaming a high-intensity cardio workout from a free site online. This way, you get some extra exercise in before the craziness of kids and work begins, and you have some personal time to make sure you're taking care of yourself.
3. Get active with your kids.
You don't always need to be kid-free to improve your active lifestyle. For example, you can get a trailer to pull your toddler behind a bike for a ride after work, or you can play tag with the kids at the park. This helps children get the exercise they need to stay healthy, and it helps you be fit as well. Try planning family activities like swimming and hiking for days you have off of work.
4. Use more weight lifting to save time.
A routine that uses weights will tax your muscles and leave you sore, but they do not require the time commitment of a cycling workout. A focus on a strength training routine combined with flexibility and stretching will keep you strong while working with a busy schedule.
For more information, contact a local fitness center for information on parent fitness and child education. Companies like YMCA of Greater Cincinnati can help with more information, too.
I remember staying at home when I was a young child until I entered kindergarten. However, when I had my first child as a working mother, I realized that it was a good idea to transfer my child from a standard daycare facility to a preschool after I learned how they differ. Preschools typically have teachers trained in early childhood education, while many daycare centers do not. However, I became overwhelmed with all of my local preschool options and had to learn about all of the various types of preschool education offered today before I made my final decision. I was very happy with my choice, because my little one is now thriving in her new preschool. I am now researching elementary school options. I am eager to share what I have learned, and am still learning, about child education with anyone who needs the advice on my new blog!