If your children are still young enough to steal some of your sleep every night, then exercise may be the last thing on your mind. You’re exhausted and what energy you have is usually reserved for doing what’s necessary – chores, sorting bills and running errands. Time isn’t something you have in abundance either.

Fortunately, there are ways to work toward your fitness goals with your children, allowing you to be the ultimate multi-tasking parent. Let me share some tips with you now…

Exercise Together

For parents with newborns, this is great for easing back into fitness. Your baby wants your attention and you want to get in shape, so why not exercise with your newborn and do both at once? Do squats while holding your baby, lay on your back and lift him or her up and down like a hand weight, perform light crunches with the baby on your belly, do tummy time together – there are many possibilities.

Go Out for a Jog

There are buggies available that have been built specifically for joggers. Lightweight and engineered for speed and agility, jogging pushchairs give you a reason to get some fresh air for both you and your baby. He or she gets to observe the world with the thrill of the wind against their face while you squeeze some cardiovascular exercise into your day.

Jogging strollers can fit kids of various ages from newborns to toddlers. You could establish a set time to go outside with your child every day and keep up the routine for years. There’s no downside!

Have Fun at the Park

Something about parenthood tends to revive a little spark of wonder in parents as they watch their children learn about the world that they’ve come to take for granted. It’s okay to get back in touch with your inner child, particularly when you can get a little exercise at the same time.

Most communities have parks with playgrounds for toddlers to enjoy. As long as they’re not too crowded, there’s nothing stopping you from joining your child on the jungle gym, monkey bars, seesaw and wobbly bridges. Let them direct their playtime while following along. Not only do you put in a little workout, your child will be thrilled to have you involved in his or her playtime.

Make It a Family Event

As your children get older, make a habit out of playing sports together. The teamwork and friendly competition will make the exercise feel fun and not like a chore. Besides, it’s a great bonding experience for you and your kids. Over the weekend, my Wife took our little girl to a princess party while the boys kicked a football around in the back garden and played with some Lego.

Thanks for reading my top tips and good luck!