Calling all Super Moms and Mega Dads – you can get marvellously fit AND stay a hero to your little ones. This blog is here to tell you how…
We know how life can get chaotic with juggling work, social commitments, and the endless demands of our little bundles of joy. Amidst all the responsibilities, it’s easy to put our fitness, as parents, on the back burner.
But fear not, because Trojan is here to help you rock your parent life while staying fit and fabulous! In this blog, we’ll share some fantastic fitness tips and tricks tailored specifically for you, busy moms and dads. Plus, we’ll introduce you to the Trojan Health and Fitness equipment and products that’ll help you keep your fitness and family responsibilities on track simultaneously.
Understanding the Importance of Fitness for Parents
Before we dive into the tips and tricks, let’s talk about why it’s crucial for parents to prioritise fitness. We get it – you have a ton on your plate, but investing time in your health pays off big time and might even help with parenting.
Regular exercise boosts your energy levels, reduces stress, and helps you maintain a positive outlook on life – all things that every parent needs. There’s no such thing as too much energy when wrangling a herd of kiddos.
Moreover, being fit sets an excellent example for your little ones. When they see you being active and valuing your health, they’re more likely to adopt healthy habits themselves. They’re going to end up doing as you do, not as you say, so do what’s best for your body. Now, let’s lace up those sneakers and show them how it’s done!
Time Management for Parent Fitness
Time – the elusive commodity that every parent wishes they had more of. We get that finding time for yourself is a real challenge, but it’s not impossible. Here are some nifty time management tips to squeeze in a workout:
– Set realistic goals: Aim for short and focused workouts, like 15-30 minutes, a few times a week. Consistency is key, and you’ll be surprised at the results! You could even do multiple mini sessions a day. Read our blog on Mini Workouts to find a short workout that aligns with your goals.
– Wake up early: Yes, we know, it’s tough to part ways with your cosy bed, but early mornings can be the most peaceful time to exercise before the day kicks into full gear. For extra time in the mornings, do chores like setting out school uniforms and packing lunches the night before, after the kids are asleep.
– Lunchtime power: If mornings aren’t your jam, why not utilise your lunch break for a brisk walk or a quick workout session? If your kids are at school, even better! We know it can make you feel a little guilty not to spend 100% of the time on your kids, but you’ll be a better person for them if you spend a little bit of time on yourself. You deserve it.
– Involve the family: Family workout time can be super fun and bonding. Get your kids involved and turn exercise into a family activity! Make sure you’re following the user instructions on exercise equipment, though.
Though our Trojan dumbbells and treadmills may be safe if used by kids under your supervision, we’d suggest staying away from more complex machinery like our ellipticals and home gyms. Save those for yourself!
Fitness Activities that can Include Children
When you think of “family activities,” you think of “a trip to the aquarium” or “watching Frozen.” We bet you’re probably not thinking “family workout.” However, working out in conjunction with little ones helps them to form healthy habits at a young age, teaches them how to incorporate exercise into their day in a healthy way, and might be an awesome bonding experience for everyone involved.
At Trojan, we’re huge fans of family fitness, so let’s explore some fantastic workouts and physical activities that parents can do with their little ones:
– Backyard olympics: Organise mini-Olympic events in your backyard, like sack races, relay races, or even a DIY obstacle course. Include different-sized Trojan Dumbbells to add a “fairness handicap” if your kids are of different ages.
– Dance party: Crank up the music and have a dance party with your kids. You’ll burn calories and create precious memories together.
– Nature walks: Take leisurely walks in the park or explore nearby nature trails. Kids love being outdoors, and you’ll get your steps in too! Train to get fit for even longer family trails when you let the whole household take a turn on your Trojan treadmill daily.
– Yoga fun: Yoga is perfect for all ages. Turn your living room into a yoga studio and get your zen on with your mini yogis. You can add an extra degree of bouncy fun with Trojan exercise balls.
Creating a Home Gym with Trojan Equipment
Now, let’s talk about the ultimate “fitness for parents” game-changer – a home gym from Trojan! You might wonder how to fit gym sessions into your busy schedule, but with a home gym, you can work out whenever suits you best, without having to disrupt your kids’ routine, find a babysitter, or prep those little bundles of chaos for a car ride.
Trojan gym equipment offers durability, high quality, and affordability, making it the perfect fit for parents like you. Here are some of the must-have pieces of gear we think every parent needs:
- Treadmills: A Trojan treadmill allows you to sneak in a run or brisk walk at home while keeping an eye on the kids. It might even help you prep to win the “parents’ race” at a school athletics day.
- Home gyms:These versatile multi-weight setups are like having a whole commercial gym weights section in the comfort of your home. Plus, nobody’s going to be hogging the machine you want to use!
- Dumbbells: Trojan offers a range of dumbbells, kettlebells and other portable weights for strength training – a fantastic way to tone up without taking up too much space. They’re also portable so they can take them with you on the go in your busy schedule.
- Ellipticals: Get a full-body workout with Trojan’s elliptical trainers. These machines are low-impact, versatile and great to improve functional fitness on dynamic planes of movement. It’s like having a full gym in the comfort of your home.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Let’s wrap this up – and take this article full circle – with a few more tips to help you maintain your fitness journey as a busy parent:
– Meal planning: Plan your meals in advance to ensure you’re eating well-balanced, nutritious food that fuels your active lifestyle. You can incorporate your little one’s mealtimes into this prep, too, so save time for everyone.
– Mental health matters: Take time for self-care and mindfulness. Whether it’s meditation, reading, or a long bath, a little self-indulgence goes a long way.
– Find a workout buddy: Partner up with another parent who shares your fitness goals. Accountability and friendly competition can be highly motivating. It also means you might get to share babysitters sometimes…
Ready, set… fitness for the family!
So there you have it, super parents – that was your guide to balancing parenting and fitness! We hope these tips and tricks have inspired you to prioritise your well-being, so that you can, in turn, prioritise the well-being of the lovely little ones in your care.
Remember, even small steps towards fitness count, and Trojan’s home gym equipment is your ultimate partner on this journey. From ellipticals and treadmills to home gyms and dumbbells, you can get everything you need to make your dream home gym a reality from a Game or Makro near you. The first step is as easy as that. So, let’s get moving, set some goals, and show the world that being a fit and fabulous parent is within reach. You’ve got this!
