Fitness for Busy Parents

Finding time for fitness as a busy parent can be challenging. I get it – I’m a mother of four. Balancing a hectic work schedule, the responsibilities of raising children and an unending list of household chores is just the tip of the parental iceberg.

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I’m here to give you the good news – you don’t have to put fitness on the backburner!

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7 fitness tips for busy parents

We all know fitness is important to maintain mental and physical health. Here are seven ways every busy parent can make fitness a regular part of their daily lives!

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Get active with your kids

Children love to mimic their parents, so why not make fitness a fun family activity? Take a walk, ride a bike, or hit the park and play games together. This way, get to spend time with your kids and exercise. Win, win!

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Plan time for fitness

A busy family schedule can be chaotic and often changes on the fly. View your workouts as “non-negotiable” you time.

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Take 10 minutes every weekend to plan when and where you’ll be exercising in the upcoming week. Stay accountable and minimise your chance of missing your sessions by scheduling them when distractions and last-minute changes are the least likely to happen.

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Find a friend, find a gym

Keeping your fitness up is a lot easier when it’s something you look forward to. So, find something you enjoy doing! Looking for even more motivation and accountability? Get a friend to join in! Combining fitness and social time with your nearest and dearest provides a positive, supportive and fun environment.

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Use short, high-intensity workouts

Don't throw in the towel when your time or budget is limited.

Ask any one of the InnerFight coaches for a short workout and they will serve you up a treat that you can do from the comfort of your living room. No matter where the day takes you, there’s always room for a heart-raising 15-minute workout with a hit of feel-good endorphins, free of charge.

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Exercise while you wait

As parents, we spend much of our time waiting on our children while they do their own activities. Keep a pair of trainers in your car and use your downtime to go for a walk or run.

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Switch up your commute

If you drive to work, park as far as possible from the office. Getting those steps in is always a surefire way to reach your goals. If possible, you could also try cycling to work!

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Make chores count

Chores are a GREAT way for busy parents to fit in exercise. Whether you’re vacuuming, doing the dishes or laundry, you’re undoubtedly moving. Make it fun by turning up the tunes. Mix in lunges, squats and those signature dance moves your kids cringe at the sight of as you move from room to room.

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Closing thoughts

Regular, consistent exercise is critical to living a long, healthy life. While incorporating fitness into your weekly routine as a busy parent may take a bit of creativity, it's worth it. Embrace the habit and keep it fun, the rest will take care of itself.