A mom of four’s secret to staying healthy and physically active even with kids and a busy schedule.
This post was sponsored by Optimum Nutrition, Avia, and Schwinn Bicycles as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
Many moms I know find it extremely hard to stay active once they’ve had kids. They find that the constant needs of their children take up all of their time and they just can’t find the energy to be a healthy mama and remain physically active.
I get this, I really do. But I also have a secret to share with you all – it’s how I’m able to stay healthy and physically active even as a mother of four with a busy schedule.
Benefits of Exercise
It is widely known that exercise and physical activity is good for your over-all health but it can also improve your mood and boost your energy levels. That alone is reason enough for me to exercise and be a healthy mama! I’m not sure about you but my children sure do zap my energy and try my patience.
If you needed even more of a reason, various studies have been done that show how regular exercise can alleviate symptoms of postnatal depression, and exercise may even be able to help with breastfeeding.
But that still doesn’t answer the question that so many moms have about exercise – just how do you fit it into the day?
Well, I’ll tell you all a little secret – it’s how I’m able to not only stay physically active as a mom but also to teach my children how to to live a healthy lifestyle.
A healthy lifestyle is important to the whole family
It is extremely important to me to stay healthy and fit, especially as a mom. Not only do I want to have more energy to keep up with those kids, I want to set a good example for them to follow.
I exercise to stay strong and happy. I exercise to to have more energy. I exercise so that my body will work the way that it is supposed to.
I exercise so that I can live a long and healthy life. I exercise so that I can run around with my children and hopefully eventually their children too.
I want to be a healthy mama, and create healthy habits in my kids so I make sure to exercise WITH them. That is my secret. I stay healthy and physically active by enjoying time with the whole family.
Exercise with Kids
There are so many ways to have fun with the family and stay active with the kids. The bonus here is you don’t have to find time to squeeze it in to your day and the kids are getting some much needed quality time with their mama.
Our activities vary day to day but it never fails – we always work in some exercise disguised as a fun activity or game!
I have never met a child that would say no to a fun activity with their mom so this is a win-win for everyone.
Not only are you getting your exercise in for the day, you’re getting to spend time with the kids, and they are getting their physical activity in!
5 Ways to be a physically active family
Take a Walk
Hands down, the easiest physical activity to do with your kids is to take a neighborhood walk. A 160 lb person can burn anywhere from 70-100 calories per mile just by walking!
This is a great place to start your physical activity that is doable for all the members of the family. The little ones can ride in a stroller or a carrier, and young children can use a scooter if they can’t walk very far on their own.
It’s always been my experience that kids love to take neighborhood walks – check out the flowers along the sidewalk, say hello to passing neighbors, and look for lost treasures along the route.
Family Bike Ride
If your children are a bit older, a regular family bike ride is so much fun. My own children have always loved to head out for a long bike on the trails or taking the bikes out into town for a special treat.
Backyard Games
Gather kids to run around the backyard! Not much equipment is needed to get physically active in your own backyard. Play a game of tag and chase around the kids or organize a game of backyard kickball. We love to do some backyard obstacle course too, with whatever toys we happen to have lying around.
Hiking
Depending on the area of the country you are in, you might be able to find some great hiking trails! Hiking is great, even for kids. Many hikes take you to find lovely creeks or waterfalls, along paths of trees, or up to an overlook to look out over the city.
Running
If you’re looking for a more vigorous way to exercise, take up running! If you have young children you can use a jogging stroller and take them with you. Older children can go several miles on scooters or bicycles to keep up with you while you get in your workout. If you have adolescents or teens, they can even go for a few miles run along side!
Products to Help You Get Out and Get Active
I feel like I have tried them all. As both myself and my husband are extremely active as well as our four children maintaining an active lifestyle and playing sports we have been through our share of active lifestyle products. I have found several that I really enjoy.
Active Wear for Women
I gave you all my favorite ways to get the kids involved and stay physically active even with a busy schedule but I also have a few favorite products that help me and my family get out and get active.
Being comfortable when I exercise is so very important. I like to make sure I have active gear that is affordable, comfortable, and has an attractive design that will fit all of my activities.
Avia makes fantastic active wear Designed with technical features, Moisture wicking, Spandex comfort stretch, and Reflective accents and they are available at your local Walmart.
Nutritional Supplements
As much as I know that exercise is important, so is fueling your body during and after a workout. You body needs good fuel when you are exercising and a great way to do that is with supplements from Optimum Nutrition.
Optimum Nutrition has several lines of nutritional supplements including ON® Whey Protein Isolate for your post workout refuel, ON® Performance Energy to keep you going during your exercise regimen, and ON® Protein Cake Bites for when you don’t have the time and need to take your fuel on the go.
Optimum Nutrition® Whey Protein Isolate is for active, healthy adults looking for high-quality protein. This easy-to-mix powder has much of the fat, carbohydrates and sugars ‘isolated’ out, leaving you with 25 grams of protein in a 130 calorie shake that is free of artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners.
Optimum Nutrition® Performance Energy provides about as much caffeine from natural sources as a cup of coffee with 3 grams of muscle supporting amino acids. I use this both as a pre-performance energy booster but also as an afternoon pick-me-up!
Optimum Nutrition® Protein Cake Bites are deliciously whipped protein snacks coated with yogurt or chocolate flavored frosting. With 20 grams of protein in each 3-cake serving, Cake Bites are a convenient grab and go option for active adults.
Bikes for the Family
The Schwinn Sidewinder has a light aluminum mountain-style frame and front suspension fork to making riding comfortable on any trail.
Features like the light and strong alloy rims provide added durability and stability for everyday riding as well and the front and rear linear pull brakes ensure crisp stopping and steady speed control on descents.
Like all Schwinn bikes, the Schwinn Sidewinders have a limited lifetime warranty for as long as you own the bike.
Win these Products For Yourself
Enter the Get Out Get Active Sweepstakes.
The winner of the Get Out Get Active at Walmart Sweepstakes will win an awesome prize pack that includes a Schwinn Bicycle, selected Optimum Nutrition products as well as head to toe Avia active gear.
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