How to Exercise When You Have Young Children

With the constant demands made on a mother's time and energy, how are you supposed to find time to exercise when you have young children? Never fear: Moms are the ultimate multitaskers. Those with tiny tots at home can easily learn how to make juggling their time seem like child's play.

Play when they do

One of the easiest ways to exercise when you have young children is to combine your exercise time with the children's playtime. On nice days, visit the park or your own back yard with jump ropes or hula-hoops. Teach your kids to play games such as hopscotch-and illustrate how to play them enthusiastically for ultimate calorie burning. Stage races (simple foot races or using water balloons or eggs on spoons or balls under chins). You have to go there and back in the time your kids just have to make it one direction. By then, a dozen spins of Ring Around the Rosy are guaranteed to wear you out and get your heart rate up.

Indoors, put on your favorite tunes-no one says you have to listen to "Baby Beluga" for the umpteenth time-and dance, dance, dance. Or grab plastic golf clubs or brooms and pretend to rock out on the guitar, doing rock-star splits in the air.

Take advantage of nap time and quiet time

A little movement is all it takes for many infants and toddlers to doze off. A jogging stroller will let you set a good pace while your little one enjoys the ride-or the inside of his eyeballs. Add a few gentle hills to intensify the workout. If jogging isn't your post-pregnancy style, a regular stroller and a little extra oomph in your step will make walking just as beneficial. To work your upper arms, too, add a big dog on a leash. An attachment to the back of your bike gives you another type of exercise freedom.

While children are napping, you may typically do household chores. If so, tuck in some quick bursts of exercise. Waiting for water to boil for pasta? Do squats or stretch. Vacuuming or cleaning? Work vigorously. Run up the stairs rather than walk. No matter what you are doing at any given moment, add activity or up the intensity.

During quiet cartoon or movie time, get out the exercise bands or do some floor exercises. Keep a set of small weights handy (but out of reach of the little ones) and add them to the mix. Toss in a series of sit-ups and push-ups. (Let toddlers count for you or act as a weight on your feet.)

Use what you have

As moms know, the baby weight never goes away-it just switches sides of your stomach. Carrying your newborn or toddler tends to add plenty of toning to your non-dominant arm. Whenever you can, try to switch arms to even it out. If you're keeping your baby in his car seat carrier, park farther away from stores or restaurants and use one arm on the way in and the other arm on the way out. (Do a few bicep curls each way if you can.)

Set your child in a front or back carrier, and take them on a nature walk to learn colors and names of flowers or bugs. Try vacuuming, doing dishes or mowing the lawn while they're on board. Park some distance from the store entrance, or take the stairs rather than the elevator.

Get assistance

More and more gyms offer drop-in day care, and an off-site drop-in day care will allow you to exercise anywhere you want while you leave your child in good company. Another option is to exchange babysitting services with a friend or establish times during the week when a relative or your partner is available. Even a half-hour for a brisk walk will start to get your energy up again.

Think of your exercise routine as setting a good example for your children. If daily exercise is part of their life from their earliest years, it is likely to become a life-long habit. While it may seem you are neglecting other demands, you may be surprised to find you accomplish just as much. Exercise increases your energy level, and a short break makes you more productive.