Posted on 24 November 2010.
Every busy mom I meet tells me the same thing. “My family comes first, then my job, then me,” they say. This is often followed by “and I NEVER have time to exercise!” As busy, giving moms it can be difficult for us to find time to devote not only to ourselves and our needs, but to the upkeep and maintenance of our bodies. I like to compare a body to car. Too often, we don’t think about how it works until it has a major problem and needs to be taken to the mechanic for an overhaul. We can’t let that happen to our bodies – allowing our bodies to stay stagnant until they crash and need serious attention. Instead, just like you take your car for a tuneup, fill it with gas, get it washed ever so often, so too with your body.
You need to make sure your body is well taken care of so that it won’t crash when you most need it.
This month’s post is devoted to finding a way to exercise in the most convenient, least-expensive and most family friendly way possible – at the playground with your kids! Busy moms tell me they can’t find time to exercise, yet I often see them sitting on the benches at the playground while their kids play. This is a perfect time to give your body a workout – take advantage! Those jungle gyms are not just for kids – using the equipment correctly can give you a serious workout, burning calories and building muscles.
Ideas for maximizing fitness at the playground:
1. Do pull ups on the monkey bars. Have your kids cheer you on and see how many you can do.
2. Do push-ups at an angle against the balance beam or mountain.
3. Race your kids up the rope bridges and ladders.
4. When you push your kids on the swing, do a squat every time you push them, keeping your arms out and back straight, pretending you are lowering your bottom onto an invisible chair.
5. If you have a baby – use them as a weight. Stand straight holding your baby facing you. Extend your arms and slowly lower your baby up and down. Baby will love the motion and your arms will feel the burn!
6. Challenge your kids to a playground-wide relay race – run through the park climbing the monkey bars, jumping over things, and sliding down the slide – a good way to get your child active and for you to break a sweat trying to keep up with them!
After all this physical activity, you and your children will undoubtedly be hungry – but don’t fill up on pizza or other junk, or fast food. Before your next playground trip make sure to pack plenty of cut up fruit and vegetables. Also fill your reusable bottles with water! These things will quench your thirst and hunger and give you the energy boost to keep playing!
So take your kids to the park and make sure to put on some workout clothes –it’s time for mom to have some outdoor playtime too!
Loren Slocum, CEO of LoBella International, Speaker, Entrepreneur, Author of "Life Tuneups" and "No Greater Love: Being an Extraordinary Mom"
