How To Get Active With Kids

There are so many mums in our community, and I’m always inspired by the ways they manage to make time for working out while also raising kids. 

Exercising has so many benefits for your physical and mental wellbeing, like reducing the effects of stress, so it’s one of the many things women in the Sweat Community are doing to make sure they’re at their best, and being a great role model for their children. When I train clients, I always encourage them to bring their kids to the gym — they love seeing their mums get stronger and more confident! 

But life as a mum can be unpredictable. There might be times when getting a workout done seems difficult to fit into a busy week, so it’s worth considering other ways to stay active with your kids.

Benefits of outdoor exercise

As a mum, it’s important to make time to care for yourself, so that you’re in the best position to take care of your kids too. 

Getting outdoors with your kids is all about looking after yourself, with the added benefit of some sunshine and vitamin D. 

Get outside for a fresh perspective!

Getting out of the house and into the fresh air can help you maintain a healthy mindset. 

If things are getting too hectic it might be time to get outside to enjoy nature and connect with your kids in a different setting.

Outdoor activities you can do with kids

Being active with your kids is one way for them to start forming habits that will help them to have a healthy lifestyle as adults too.

Here are some outdoor activities to try: 

Walking

Make a walk after dinner part of a family routine. It’s a great way to make time for each other and talk about your day.

Swimming

In warmer weather, hitting the water is a great family-friendly activity. If you live near the beach, a lake or an outdoor pool (if it’s summer!), grab your swimmers and goggles and move in the water!

Hit the playground

Heading to the local park is a win for young kids, but there are lots of pieces of equipment you can actually use to do a workout while you’re there too. A park bench workout has lots of different moves that use your own body weight as resistance.

Cycling

Cycling can be another low-impact activity that you can do outdoors. Cycle to the shops instead of driving, or take a lap of your neighbourhood with the kids!

Yoga

Kids can actually benefit from yoga in so many ways. Doing simple moves with them outdoors is a way to encourage being active and create greater awareness of their bodies. It’s also an opportunity for everyone to slow down, meditate and relax.

Celebrate the fact that you’re doing your best! 

It’s natural to want to be the strongest and most confident version of yourself when you’re a parent, so that you can be a good role model for your children. A lot of mums tell me they do that by making time to do exercise and preparing healthy snacks for their kids each week.

If you’re looking for support, join the Sweat Community to meet like-minded mums who’ve shared a similar experience to yours! In the Sweat forum there is a section dedicated to mums and families where you can talk with other mums.