When your kids see you prioritizing self-care and making fitness a part of your routine, they’ll learn to do the same. Don’t let the winter blues get in the way of staying active – let this be a bonding experience that will create lasting memories and promote a healthy lifestyle for your family!
When the weather is too cold or snowy to venture outside, there are still plenty of ways to get your blood pumping indoors. Here are a few ideas:
Commercial Break Exercises
Make TV time more active with commercial break exercises. During ad breaks (or between episodes), squeeze in sets of squats, lunges, or sit-ups. This approach allows you to fit exercise into your schedule without carving out additional time. Turning commercial breaks into mini workout sessions is an excellent way to break up sedentary time. Your kids can join you, making it a fun challenge to see who can do the most reps before the show resumes.
Jump Rope for Quick Cardio
If space allows, jumping rope is a fantastic cardio exercise that requires little time but yields great results. It quickly elevates your heart rate, improves coordination, and can be done almost anywhere. Your kids are likely to enjoy this activity too, turning it into a fun family challenge. See who can jump the longest or learn new skipping techniques together, keeping the exercise both engaging and beneficial.
Fitness Apps for Guided Exercises
Fitness apps offer a world of guided exercises at your fingertips, from full-body workouts to short, high-intensity sessions. Explore what’s available for free, selecting workouts that align with your goals and preferences.
Workout While Your Kids Play
Sometimes the best way to fit in a workout is to integrate it into your child’s playtime. Incorporate squats, lunges, and push-ups as your child plays nearby, making it a shared experience. Working out while your kids play not only allows you to keep an eye on them but also sets a positive example. They see you prioritizing health and may even mimic your movements, turning it into a playful activity.
Bounce on a Mini Trampoline
If you have a mini trampoline, bouncing can be an incredibly fun and effective way to get your heart rate up. It’s a low-impact exercise that improves cardiovascular fitness and strengthens your muscles. This is also really fun for the kids!
Stream a Zumba Class
Zumba combines elements of dance and aerobic exercise, offering a full-body workout that feels more like a dance party. Streaming a Zumba class can bring joy and movement into your home, perfect for involving your kids!
Stay Flexible with Stretching & Mobility
Stretching and mobility exercises are crucial for maintaining flexibility and preventing injury. Incorporate these into your routine, especially if you’re short on space or energy. Introduce your kids to these exercises as a calming activity before bedtime. It’s a wonderful way to wind down the day, teaching them the value of flexibility and self-care. Flexibility work complements more intense workouts, rounding out your winter fitness routine.
Missed part 1? Read it here! You can also grab my guide on 5 easy steps to go from exhasuted to energized naturally!
xo, Mary