*This is a collaborative guest post*
Getting active is a real pleasure for some and a bit of a chore for others, but regardless of where you fit on the love or hate scale if you find it hard to find the time to workout, you’re certainly not alone.
If you’re not a fitness fanatic (or not yet), then the idea that exercising can make you happier might feel a bit far fetched when you’re mid treadmill session and very much feeling the burn. However, you’ll most likely be aware that all those endorphins pumping around your body are proven to do just that! It’s easy to make the mistake of believing that only intense workouts can reap these get-happy benefits and improve your mood, yet this isn’t the case, lower intensity practices will do the trick nicely too.
If you feel like you haven’t found a get-active fix that works for you yet then don’t stress, it’s all about trial and error or maybe daring to push yourself a little out of your comfort zone. Perhaps you are just not sure what to expect on a gym induction, or you haven’t found an exercise routine that you enjoy and that suits your lifestyle? Regardless, this doesn’t mean that there isn’t something out there for you just waiting to be discovered nor that you should miss out on all the fabulous self-love benefits that getting active can offer! It’s entirely possible to go from feeling neutral about exercising to completely loving it by just finding out what you like, tapping into that passion and increasing your confidence (and if you already love it then hurray for you)!
Those with children will know that time to spare isn’t exactly in huge supply, so here are a few ideas on how to get active together as a whole family.
Family yoga
Well, doesn’t this look like great fun! Yoga is entirely accessible and has heaps of benefits from flexibility and core strength to relaxation and de-stressing. It’s entirely possible to practice yoga at home as a family with your kids by merely learning a few basic postures via yogi books or pictures online. If you prefer, you could find a yoga video on YouTube to get copying! There are classes out there that accommodate family yoga or mummy/daddy and baby yoga if you feel these are something you could fit into your schedule. From tree pose to dancer or frog, your kids will love the chance to play at being yogis with you.
Bike Rides
Family bike rides are an excellent way to enjoy exploring the countryside as well as nabbing an exercise boost. Take a picnic and turn it into a day out while enjoying all the benefits that biking has for your body! Bike riding is especially useful if you prefer a lower intensity activity that doesn’t put too much pressure on your joints. You can treat yourself at the end of the bike ride to a warm mug of coffee (or hot chocolate for the kids).
Body weight exercises
There are plenty of body weight exercises you and your kids can practice together in the living room with no equipment, think push-ups, planks, squats, and lunges! Your children can often make the most wonderful exercise buddies as they have the stamina and energy to keep on going, which is just what you need to get you through those squats!
Skipping
Grab your skipping rope and clear some space or go outside if the weather permits it! Skipping is excellent cardio as well as good for increasing strength in your muscles and improving your coordination (which will help with all those new yoga poses too)! Skipping can be moderated in intensity from seeing how many reps you can do without stopping to the traditional skipping games that your kids will likely know and love.
Trampolining
Having a trampoline in your garden can be an amazingly fun piece of exercise apparatus for you and your kids to enjoy in the summer! You’ll be amazed at how easily you’ll be breaking a sweat after just a little while of jumping away. If you don’t have space or your not sure you want to break the budget for a trampoline there are centres whereby you can book a space, turn up and getting jumping-simple.
It’s worth noting that with the rise of technology that you and your family are more easily susceptible to be spending too much time in front of the screen without realising; whether it’s movies, laptops or games via apps. Remembering to take time out as a family to get active can do wonders for your overall health and well being.
