Single Parents and Exercise: How to Get Active and Stay Healthy
1. Get up earlier in the morning-Getting up just 30 minutes earlier every morning and getting on the stationary bicycle, treadmill or even doing a half hour of yoga or stretching exercises can be a great way to add in exercise. As single parents, we may not have another parent to run the household while we head out to the gym in the morning, but if we just get up a half hour earlier than the rest of the family, we can get in some activity before jumping in the shower, getting breakfast and starting everyone on their day.
2. Use a lunch hour for exercise-The lunch hour is not only for eating, but it is also a good time to relax and let go of some of the work day stress. What better way to release stress than to exercise? A brisk walk or a trip to a nearby gym is one way a single parent can get in exercise without putting any strain on the family schedule. If your workplace has a gym or fitness program, there really is no excuse not to take advantage.
3. Involve the kids in exercise and activity-If you cannot get away from the kids to exercise, bring the kids along with you. Consider a family bike ride, or playing a soccer game at a nearby park. By including some "play" time in your single parent family life that involves some exercise, you'll be killing two birds with one stone. Other healthy and fun family activities to consider are swimming, playing sports or taking a dance or gymnastic class together. Spending time together as a family does not have to just be in front of the TV. You might consider doing something physical together before coming home in the evening-after school or work-this can help the kids to blow off steam and for you to let go of stress and get some exercise.
Published by Kori Rodley Irons
Kori is a freelance writer, public relations and nonprofit management specialist living in the Pacific Northwest. She also raised three children as a single parent and is an activist involved in various comm... View profile
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