10 Exercises to do with your kids

Lately, I’ve been getting asked, “how do you find the time to work out with kids?”. Specifically, a toddler and an infant. The answer is I MAKE time. Most of the time I really don’t want to, but those little humans are looking for a role model, and we need to be that for them. 

I am by no means a professional, I’m not a certified personal trainer (yet), my form isn’t great right now, but we are all here to build each other up. If you have older kids, these exercises may not be for you, or maybe you’re like the incredible hulk, that’s fine too. 

Oh, also don’t ever expect me to get ready for you, or clean my house for you lol You’ll see with these pictures…

HERE WE GO:

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1. Toddler Squats

Toss that kiddo on your shoulders, and get to building those cakes (see what I did there). So my kid is a little squirmy, it adds to the workout. Try to keep that chest up without letting the child fall, and try not to have your knees pass your toes. 

2. Lateral Toddler Lunges

You should have seen some of these photos, cringeeeeee. Anyway, same rules as the toddler squats. Keep going, you’re doing GREAT. Just go back and forth in one spot, or step together in between. 

3. Good Morning, Toddler:

AKA, Good Mornings. Keep those legs, and back straight, bend to a 90-degree angle, and come back up. BURN HAMSTRINGS BURN. This was a new one for us, and it was so so good. Probably won’t feel so good tomorrow. 

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4. Toddler Overhead Press:

Alright, this one made me realized how much muscle mass I lost during pregnancy, but hey, I’m only 3 months postpartum, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. 

Catch your toddler, tell them you’re going to play airplane, and press that babe up into the air, bring ‘em back down and boop ‘em with a kiss, then do it again! 

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5. Toddler Curls

Try to catch your toddler again. Wrangle them up, drop them down, curl them up, and blow raspberries on their bellies. They will giggle, and you will build some muscle. Keep going until one of you gives up. 

6. Push Ups

If I could change anything I did with this one, I would trade which kid I did the push up with. It was either a gut kick (on accident, maybe), or he would turn into a sloth, and hang on. I’m not quite strong enough for that yet. Anyway, every time you go down, give them a kiss on the forehead. Come back up and make a funny face at them. Repeat until fatigue.

7. Baby Flutter Kicks

Not the crazy feeling you get in your stomach when you’re pregnant, but close… not really. Lay on the ground, lift the baby into the air, bring your shoulders and legs of the ground, and slowly alternate your legs. 

8. Baby Sit Ups, or Crunches

WOW, abs. I did this after our initial workout, and could barely do one. Lay on the ground, push that baby up in the air, and do your sit ups (or crunches). FEEL THE BURN. 

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9. Snuggle Baby Forward or Back Lunges

Exactly like it sounds. Do lunges, while hugging your baby, or toddler, or shoot, if your strong enough grab a full grown adult lol 

10. Baby Holds

Stand up straight, and just hold that baby out in front of you. I did this for approx. 5 seconds and it was already burning. 14+ pounds of baby is a lot.

That’s all I got for you today! Remember, I am not a professional, and always consult your doctor before starting a new program. I am just a mom trying to squeeze in some quick workouts, that are effective. Even if you have to do it in 5-10 minute increments, YOU ARE STILL MOVING YOUR BODY, and that’s what really matters. I usually cannot get a full workout out in all at once without one of the children needing something, so take a break, it’s okay, just get back to it. If you don’t feel like adding “weight” you can do these easy exercises without the kiddos too. Or just go on a walk and get some fresh air. You can do whatever you put your mind to.

What’s your favorite exercise to do with your children? Let me know in the comments. Also, feel free to share this with your parent friends! 

Stay Confident <3