How to work out with Kids.

Are you a mom? Do you struggle to find time for yourself. let alone time to workout? The truth is as busy moms it is our DUTY to make time for ourselves and to workout. Usually for me, I have to kill two birds with one stone and use my workout time as my ME time. Which all that really means is it is a time I teach my children to either join me or finding something else to do, but this is one time I won't stop what I am doing - unless it is a complete emergency.

Working out with kids around is not easy. But it is so worth it. The truth is your kids are always watching you. Whether they see you working hard, being lazy, quitting or struggling to finish something. THEY ARE WATCHING!

And since they are watching us it is important that they see us make good choices. And a good choice to make on a daily basis is to take time out for yourself and your body.  All it takes is 30 minutes a day!

So maybe you are sitting here reading and thinking this sounds good, but seriously how do you work out with your kids??? They don't sit still, will get into things, how will I concentrate? I totally understand I have two rugrats of my own who distract me daily!! LOL 

 In the beginning it will be hard to train them to respect your time. But with consistency they will learn and it will just become a part of their routine. 

Working out with your kids can be fun! There are ways to make it enjoyable for them and easier for you! 

1. Invite God into this part of your life. Pray for the strength, endurance, self-discipline and control. Lean on Jesus to carry you through and use this time as a time to practice staying calm when things get crazy. Use this time to focus on Jesus and God and the amazing body you have! 

2. Take the time to teach your kids why exercise is important. This helps them understand why you need to take the time to exercise daily, and why it is important for them also. 

3. Get a jogging stroller!!! A jogging stroller can be a fit mommy's best friend! With a jogging stroller you can exercise anywhere! Take a walk on the beach/ jog on the beach, run/jog in your neighborhood, rollerblade, go hiking. And the best part of using a jogging stroller with your ever growing child in it is the stroller creates resistance and the weight of your child gradually increases which increases your endurance and strength! Also if you have more than one child encourage your older children to ride their bikes or scooters along with you! We have found some beautiful paved trails and parks here in Jacksonville, FL, do some research into the nature parks in the town around you. They provide great places for outdoor exercise, fun and activity for the whole family! 

4. Incorporate them in your workout! Give them a mat and some very light weights. Let them try  and play around. Don't get mad when they don't finish the workout with you, but praise them for trying and tell them how strong they are! 

5. Give them something fun to do while you work out. The other day I wanted to get in a 20 minute workout so I went out in the driveway. I quickly grabbed some sponges, a funnel, colander and few big plastic bowls and a bucket, filled them up with water and let the kids go to town. While they squealed with delight I sweated my brains out! You can also do things like set them up with play dough, a puzzle, or simply go outside! 

6. Be PATIENT!!! Be patient with yourself and your kids. They WILL distract you. There WILL be days you have to stop what you are doing to tend to a scraped knee or diffuse an argument. But these WILL be opportunities to show your children that you are not that easily distracted and after you take care of the problem you get back to work! This is the hardest part, but the most important! Unless its a true emergency, don't get caught up in the fact you had to stop, just focus on the fact that you need to finish! 

7

. Spend some quality time together before you go to workout. It is amazing what happens when you spend just 15 minutes of uninterrupted time with your kids. Just sit and talk with them, maybe read a book and ask questions. It is amazing what happens when I do this with my kids, they then don't feel the need to try to get my attention constantly while I am working out!

Here is the 20 Minute Workout I did while the kids were playing the other day: (And trust me during  workouts like this one a distraction or two from the kids is welcomed! LOL)  But seriously you do not have to work out forever if while you are working out you stay focused and move as best as you can. Using combination moves like the ones below also helps train multiple parts of your body while blasting major calories and boosting your metabolism. 

2 Minute Warmup

1 min for each exercise. Rest 20-30 seconds in between 

Equipment - light set of weights

1. Right Leg Backward Lunge with lateral shoulder raises 

2. Left Leg Backward Lunge with Y shoulder raises 

3. Squat and Press

4. High Knees

5. Side lunge with crescent moon raises

6.Burpees with a jump

7. Twisting Plank. 

Repeat 1 more time for a total of 2 rounds. 

Cool Down and Stretch 3- 5 minutes.

Enjoy! Have a blessed day!!