Finding Time for Fitness

I devote Mondays to cleaning out my mailbag. This week’s topic of finding time for fitness may be a day late, but it’s still timely for a lot of us.

Question: How do I find time to get fit when motherhood demands so much of me?

Jennifer:

We have five children, ranging in age from 2-11.

I need to get in shape, but can never find the time with all the kids around. Any suggestions?

Busy Mom

Answer: Involve the kids in your quest for fitness

Dear Busy,

You don’t have to ditch the kids and head to the gym to get a good workout. There are ways of finding time for fitness with children in tow. Why not try exercising as a family?

• Hold push-up competitions
• Challenge them to a few fun foot races
• Jump rope together
• Take a walk around the block
• See who can do the most sit-ups in five minutes
• Plug in an aerobics video
• Go swimming

Of course, a rousing game of tag will get your blood pumping, too! 😊

My husband and I actually spent six months training for a marathon with all our kids in tow: The big ones ran alongside us, the middle ones biked, and we took turns pushing the baby in a jogging stroller.

It may be a little harder to concentrate on your workout this way. But you’ll build stronger, healthier bodies for your children as well as yourself. And you’ll make great family memories while you’re at it.

So… what are you waiting for?

Want more ideas and specific instructions for getting fit as a family? Then check out my new book Get Up & Go. It’s chock full of fun and games that will give the entire family a great workout.