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How I get exercise in with 5 children at home.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

A question was raised in one of my teams (30+something needing to lose 100 pounds) as to how to focus more on exercise or getting an exercise partner when 99% of focus needs to be on the children. I thought I would share what I wrote there, in here.
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I have 5 children and on top of all the child rearing, house work... I also homeschool them.
Getting times in to workout is probably the hardest challenge I have yet.. it makes the "Mayhem Project" a breeze! LOL.
I don't have a workout partner. Maybe someday I will. I do have the support of my husband, whom I'm trying to get to workout with me. I also have the support through SP and other online buddies. =)

My children also workout with me.
It makes a huge difference to get them involved in what you are doing. Go for walks or hikes with your children. While they are playing at the park, play with them or walk around the park. Get some low impact exercise videos that they can do with you. I think Leslie Samsone has a family walking video out.
Even smaller children have fun exercising even if they aren't as coordinated yet. (It also provides great entertainment!) LOL.

Some of my more intense workouts I do in early morning before anyone wakes up. Often late at night after they are in bed I'll get about 15-30 min. done on my recumbent bike. Often I'll give them a project to work on which also allows me to get some exercise done.

I have also started doing squats, lunges, walking in place or other simple exercises while I cook dinner In between stirring the food is a great time get some exercise in.

Another thing is to set a timer for 5-15 minutes and go up and down the stairs or crunches (something) while the kids do a chore for the amount of time on the timer.
Speaking of stairs, I also put more oomph into climbing them. I'll swing my arms and dip my knees more when going up them.

If you have younger children that still need to be picked up, make it an arm workout. At least once a day I'll lift my 1 yr old. I'll sit on the couch, put my elbows on my knees, then I'll pick her up, give her a kiss and then put her down. I do this about 10 times and of course she loves it!!

You can do it! Children love to be involved with what you are doing. I know it has been great for bonding with my kids.

Honestly, nothing compares to your children telling you to keep up the exercise because your butt is getting smaller! My kids have been excited for me because they are eagerly waiting for the day (which will be soon) that they can play soccer or basketball with me.

Oh, and for bonus... for me when I am more active during the day, not only do I sleep well, but so do the kids!

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  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AM.GIRLINBRAZIL 3/27/2008 2:14PM

    What a great idea to do exercises in between stirring pots! I think I'll try that one out. Thanks!
HISHAPPYAPPLE 3/22/2008 11:32AM

    Thank you, Ladies!
Dianna
FAMILYFRIENDLY 3/21/2008 3:06PM

    I love the workout you are getting while cooking dinner! Keep up the good work.

CAREBEAR_3594 3/20/2008 4:26PM

    Wow I just joined Sparks today and came across your blog. I am a stay at home mom of three kids ages 4, 2, and 1 and I am trying to incorporate excercise with them as well as for me. Reading this blog gave me lots of inspiration and good ideas that I can do for me and my kids. Thanks. Good Luck!!
DSDONEBTFG 3/20/2008 2:55PM

    Perfectly written! Thanks for sharing :)
S318830 3/20/2008 1:10PM

    Great job! Keep it up. And your kids will develop healthy habits by seeing your hard work. Perfect solutions!
CPT.SPACEMONKEY 3/19/2008 8:53PM

    I could not have said it better! Its all about priorities and MAKING the time to do this. I am so proud of you! Your children will benefit greatly from this in the years to come. You are adding YEARS to their lives as well as quality to theirs. Yes! I love seeing things like this! YOU Rock!

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