Moms: how to feel better and work out with the kids at home

7 Tips to Help Moms Stay Active During Quarantine
Quarantine has most of us stuck at home. With the kids at home and all of the madness going on in the world, exercise may be the last thing on your mind right now. But staying active will help you feel better. You may not have the time or energy to get in a conventional workout, but you can still make sure that you stay physically active every day.
Here’s how:

1. Walk Around
Get up and walk around the house. Walk around the yard. Walk anywhere to get your body moving. Yes, you can walk outside. Just make sure that you stay at least 6 feet away from other people.
If you’re on the phone, get up and walk around while you talk. Get the kids involved, especially if you’re going for a walk outside. A little fresh air and sunshine will make everyone happy.
If you make walking a family activity, everyone will stay active. Anything to tire the kids out will make your life easier.

2. Take Active Breaks
Taking short breaks to do some cleaning, yard work, or other chores can help you stay active. Those short breaks add up and can help you reach your weekly exercise goals.
It doesn’t really matter what you do as long as you’re doing something that gets you moving.

3. Dance
Exercise doesn’t have to be boring. Turn up your favorite song, get up, and move. Street dancing can burn up to 500 calories in 30 minutes (1). Even if you can’t dance like a pro, you’ll still be burning calories and working up a sweat.
Dancing is something the kids will love too. Have a dance-off or a dance party. Try to follow the dance moves in your favorite music video. Have fun, let loose and enjoy this time with your family.

4. Try Free Online Classes
Everyone is posting exercise classes and videos online. YouTube is a great place to find free exercise classes that you can do in your living room without any equipment.
Try Yoga or Pilates. Take an aerobics class. Find a dance video that will keep you moving while having fun.
YouTube isn’t the only place to find free workout videos. Try Instagram or Facebook. Some trainers and influencers do workouts Live.

5. Play with the Kids
We’re all stuck at home, so that means you have more time to play with the kids. Anyone who has ever spent time with a toddler knows they can wear you out. But no matter how old – or young – your kids are, playing with them can help you stay active.

• Play hide and seek
• Chase the kids around the house
• Play games
• Have a dance competition

Have fun. Be silly. And most importantly, enjoy the quality time you get to spend with your kids.

6. Keep it Simple
If you just want to do a regular workout, wait until the kids are down for a nap or try to fit it in early in the morning before everyone wakes up. It’s much easier to stay focused and power through a workout when you’re not distracted by the kids.
Keep it simple. You don’t need weights or bands to get a great workout. All you need are three classic exercises:

• Squats
• Push-ups
• Pull-ups

Aim for three sets of 10 repetitions for each of these basic exercises.

7. Accept a Challenge
Social media is buzzing with fitness challenges right now. Pick one and give it a try. There are running challenges, push-up challenges, squat challenges. You name it; you’ll find a challenge out there for it.

You can also find more trusted local services in your community at www.boyleheighstresources.org or download the Boyle Heights Resources app.

Sources

1. City Academy: https://www.city-academy.com/news/dance-burns-more-calories-than-running/