Busy Parents Need Exercise

ByDr. Glen Reed Posted on Updated on

We’ve all been there. We want to maintain a regular exercise routine, but our busy schedules get in the way. The number one excuse most people, including myself, give is “I just don’t have time.” However, as a father and a Nanaimo-based chiropractor at The Wellhouse, I’m here to share my top three ways to carve out time for exercise, even with a young family.

1. Exercise at Home

In today’s digital age, exercising at home is easier than it’s ever been. All you need is 30-45 minutes, a clear spot on your living room floor, a yoga mat, a pair of running shoes, and a workout video or podcast. You can easily fit in a quick workout while your kids are engaged in an activity, like playing with Lego.

2. Involve Your Kids

If your kids won’t sit still for 30-45 minutes while you work out, why not involve them in your routine? It’s a great way to keep them entertained and instill a love for fitness from a young age. My kids, for example, enjoy cheering on my wife during her boot camp workouts. You could also set up an obstacle course in the yard for a fun, family-friendly workout. Who knows, it might become a part of the day that both you and your kids look forward to!

3. Schedule Your Workout

We all have schedules, whether they’re written down or just in our heads. When creating your schedule, remember to treat exercise as an essential part of your daily routine, just like showering and eating. If you can spare 45 minutes while your spouse is getting the kids ready for bed or wake up 35 minutes earlier for a morning run before the rest of the family wakes up, do it. Make sure to prioritize exercise in your schedule before anything else.

Remember, maintaining a consistent exercise routine is crucial for both physical and mental wellbeing. So, no matter how busy you are, make sure to carve out some time for fitness. After all, we can always make time for the things that matter to us the most.