3 TIPS TO HELP YOU STAY FIT AS A PARENT

            

Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs there is. Your needs often come second to the needs of your children. Parents and exercise are two words that seem to be on two different ends of the spectrum. Many parents find it almost impossible to exercise on a regular basis. However, we hope that these 3 easy tips will help you to include physical activity into your daily life without causing disruption.

1)    Prioritise! Many parents will always prioritize their children first; by scheduling numerous activities throughout the week; play dates, dentist appointments, football practice, extracurricular activities etc. It is very important to prioritize YOUR health! The recommended guidelines for physical activity is at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity such as cycling or brisk walking every week, and strength exercises on two or more days a week that work all the major muscles. Despite this, more and more of us are not reaching this minimum requirement and as a result, the pounds are piling on. By scheduling small manageable workouts into your diary it will really help you to stay on top of your health; this could even be 30 minutes a day whilst your children nap. In doing so, it can have huge benefits to improve your daily life. The NHS state that exercising on a regular basis ‘can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer by up to 50% and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%.’If you need that extra push then working with a personal trainer at home is extremely effective and will provide accountability to ensure that you attend every session. 

2)    Get Out! - It’s very easy to spend each day cooped up indoors, with the washing mountain piling up and the never-ending mess. But, take yourself & the kids outside. Go for a bike ride, play games in the garden, go for a walk or dance in the rain. The fresh air does wonders! The clean air will clean your lungs, and will also increase your mood. This is due to the Serotonin (the feel-good hormone) being increased as the amount of oxygen you inhale increases; it will promote a sense of happiness and well-being, allowing you to feel more refreshed and energized. Being outside is not only good for you, it can also have amazing effects upon children also. Because, by allowing them to play outdoors, you are enabling them to explore the environment, which helps them to develop muscle strength, motor skills, coordination and also boosts their confidence.

3)    Turn Chores into Workouts - It is very easy to add more physical activity into your life without much effort. For example, turn gardening into a game, see who can gather the biggest pile of leaves. Many families often spend time together in front of a television, however, being in the fresh air supporting one and other really enhances that quality of time. Research has also shown that gardening is just as effective as a workout, and will, therefore, help to prevent osteoporosis, increase your mood, and will help you to get more active. Also if you are planting vegetables with the kids, it can also encourage them to eat healthier produce - a win-win. You could also start a DIY project with the kids, or turn household chores into different games. Another great way of getting everyone more active is by turning the TV adverts into fitness breaks. Princess Plie Squats, or Bob the Builder Muscle Builder. By getting everyone involved it really creates a fun health boosting habit.