Effective Ways to Exercise While Taking Care of Your Kids

Taking care of your kids is definitely a full time job and finding time to exercise can be a real challenge as a result. Trying to find time and energy to stay in shape in between all the errands isn't easy, but the real key to exercising in this situation is realizing that you don't necessarily need a full, uninterrupted hour to do so. Use the day to take advantage of the fact that exercise is a cumulative thing. If you can find a few minutes here and there over the course of many hours, then you'll be well on your way to being able to exercise while taking care of the little ones.

Whenever you happen to be at the gas station waiting for your tank to fill, take a few minutes and do some calf raises. Bend one leg and hold it with your hand. Slowly raise your calf, attempting to raise your body. Slowly come back down to the ground. Repeat this motion over and over again, then switch legs and do the same thing. 15-20 reps per leg is a good starting number, one which you can increase as you get more accustomed to this exercise. Be sure to keep the exercise motion controlled.

Use the time you spend in your car to your advantage. Just sitting there can atrophy your muscles, so flex your abdomen from time to time in an attempt to simulate sit-ups. You can even attempt kegel exercises. If you're going to simulate sit-ups, it's best to flex your abdomen and hold it until the pain becomes too much to bear. Release, breath deeply and repeat 20-25 times. Using the time in the car to work out your abdomen can help to also reduce stress.

Use your baby to exercise as well. When you're playing with your baby hold them out in front of you, arms straight out, and attempt to simulate the Pilates 100 maneuver. When you're holding your baby straight out from your body, slowly lean back until you feel your abdomen tighten up and contract. Then hold the position and move your baby up and down with your arms. Move your baby up and down 5-6 times; this is considered one set. Do 10 sets and then stop. Make sure to breath slowly while doing this exercise. This will really give your abs a good workout, all while making your baby laugh from the bouncing motion.

One of the easiest ways to get exercise while taking care of your kids is to dance with the music on. Yes, turn on some good dancing music and dance along with your children. They will enjoy it, kids always do, and you'll have an opportunity to get your heart rate up.

Instead of trying to find the closest parking spot to where you're going, park farther away thereby requiring you to walk longer distances. This small little change can increase the activity you give your legs throughout the day. Getting exercise while taking care of your kids isn't all that difficult if you know how to effectively spread small little workouts throughout the course of the day.