Hi there! Alexia talking today! ?
I know how challenging it can be to find time for fitness while juggling work and family responsibilities. Believe me, I am still there.
In this blog post, I’ve put together five simple yet effective fitness hacks that will help you stay active and healthy without sacrificing valuable time with your loved ones or compromising on work commitments. I will also share with you how I found a bit of balance between training and child care.
5 fitness hacks for busy parents
#1 Embrace short high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions
Time is precious when you’re a busy parent. That’s why shorter bursts of high-intensity workouts are perfect for getting the most out of limited workout sessions. With HIIT exercises such as kettlebell swings or burpees, all it takes is just 15 minutes per day to get an incredible full-body workout that boosts metabolism and burns fat even after you’re done exercising! Remember that your workout doesn’t have to be perfect and that doing something is better than doing nothing at all!
#2 Incorporate active playtime with your kids
Finding quality bonding time with your children doesn’t mean giving up on exercise altogether – in fact, combine them both! Engage in activities like tag games at the park or playing sports like soccer or basketball together which not only keeps everyone fit but also strengthens family bonds through shared adventures.
#3 Set realistic goals and prioritise self-care
As a parent, managing multiple roles simultaneously requires superpowers; however, starting small by setting realistic goals helps make continuous progress towards maintaining physical wellness. Doing so ensures mental well-being aiding efficient handling of multitasking.
Remember self-care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary!
#4 Make exercise part of your daily routine
To truly integrate fitness into our lives effectively, make sure it’s part of our daily routine. This prevents disruption due to changing schedules. For example, you could schedule a morning kettlebell session before kids wake up. It doesn’t have to be a long one… 15-20 minutes will do.
#5 Engage in group fitness classes where kids are allowed
I know this is not always possible, but it is a good option to stay fit and enjoy doing something you like while you’re keeping an eye on your little one(s).
My personal experience
Long before the pitter-patter of little feet echoed through our home, I immersed myself in the world of boxing and kickboxing. However, when my daughter entered the picture, I feared the intensity of my training might have to take a back seat to parenthood. Fate smiled upon me when I discovered that my gym welcomed parents with open arms, allowing my husband and me to tag-team caring for our newborn during workouts.
Grateful for supportive friends who recognised the importance of “me time,” I’d steal an hour away from parenting duties while they looked after my little one.
And then, the pandemic hit. To be able to keep up with the level of training, we decided to buy some high-quality kettlebells, macebells and clubbells to be able to train in a reduced space. And I found my secret weapon: the crack of dawn. I got used to getting up early and doing a one-hour workout every morning before everyone was up. Pandemic or not, those early morning workouts became my sanity saviour.
Now, with kids’ schedules being trickier than a Rubik’s Cube, things have changed. Being a mum is an amazing experience, but it comes with sacrifices. And mine was giving up sparring. I do it occasionally, but not to the same level (I miss it a lot!).
However, bringing my daughter to the gym, where inclusivity and an open-minded atmosphere thrived, turned out to be a beautiful bonding experience. It not only allowed me to pursue my passion but also set a powerful example for my child, illustrating the value of dedication, balance and the joy of shared moments.
Fast forward a bit, and now my little one has caught the martial arts bug! Imagine that—my daughter throwing kicks, doing chokes and making pals on the mat. What’s even more hilarious? Turns out, her newfound buddies have parents who just happen to be my training partners. It’s like a mini-family reunion! So, picture this: after the kids wrap up their ninja adventures, we, the grown-ups, dive into our workout routine while they’re off having a blast. It’s become this fantastic blend of family time, fitness and a touch of friendly rivalry. Who would’ve thought that our paths to fitness would align so perfectly? Martial arts, making friends, and sharing sweat sessions—it’s the kind of multitasking I can get behind!
We encourage busy parents to bring their little ones to our training sessions
As a parent, I can’t tell you how much it means to find a club that not only encourages but practically cheers for mums and dads to bring their little ones along. I truly understand your struggle to find time for fitness amidst work and family responsibilities. So if you want to do some exercise but don’t know how with all the chaos, come to our workouts.
For us, it’s more than just kettlebells; the London Kettlebell Club is a community that understands the delightful chaos of parenting.
Imagine you’re in the midst of a kettlebell swing, and suddenly, your child decides it’s snack time. Sounds annoying, right? But guess what! I’ve been there – I still am!!
Fitting in a complete workout with the children around is a challenge, but hey, every repetition is a win.
Our club embraces the reality of parenting, making it a place where doing a bit of exercise is celebrated. It’s an opportunity to take care of yourself while keeping an eye on the little explorers. We’ve all been through the toddler-taming drill, and I’m right there with you. So, why not turn your workout into a family activity? It’s not just about breaking a sweat; it’s about breaking free from the routine, bonding with your child, and setting an active example that sticks. Every moment here is a personal victory, where fitness seamlessly merges with family fun!
So, if you live in or around the Chessington area and are in this situation, contact us! We would love to help.