No Gym? No Problem! Exercise That Kill Two Birds With One Stone.

You don’t need a gym membership, home gym, or even much time to improve your health and fitness. Sure, none of the following exercises are going to give you dramatic results like The 30 Day Shred or P90X would. But if you’re a busy mom and you have trouble fitting fitness into your day, every little bit will help. These “work-outs” do double duty by allowing you to either get chores done, or bond with your kids at the same time you’re improving your health, mood, and appearance.

Cleaning Dance Parties:

Put on some peppy tunes while you vacuum, wipe counters, pick up clutter, etc. and groove as you go. You’ll raise your heart rate, and make your house look better at the same time.

Dance Parties with Your Kids:

I don’t know about your little ones, but my MiniDork loves when I dance with her. I’ll navigate to Songza, pick a peppy playlist, and then we bust a move. In addition to some good bonding time, MiniDork is learning a little bit about rhythm and movement (important skills she needs down the road at those awkward middle school dances).

Shoveling Snow/Yard Work:

Shoveling snow, raking leaves, or mowing the lawn will give you a good workout (especially if you use an old fashioned reel mower like I do). If someone else in your house usually takes care of those outdoor chores, you can always do it anonymously for a neighbor (especially older neighbors who might, for example, hurt themselves trying to shovel a snowy driveway or icy sidewalk). You’ll be doing a good deed while doing good for your body.

Playground Visits:

You’re probably taking your kids to the play ground anyhow…but if not, you should! It’s a great chance for wee ones to get that all important daily physical activity (not that I think you should be taking them every single day…that’s what back yards are for). Instead of sitting on a bench reading (which, yes…is a totally awesome thing to do), go play with them! MiniDork enjoys tag, and running races. But if kid games aren’t you’re style, then turn the playground equipment into your own free gym. Benches, monkey bars, climbers, and so on can be utilized for all sorts of strength-building moves (pull-ups, modified push-ups, tricep-dips, etc.).

Mini-Moves aka “Lazy Girl Fitness:”

You may have seen Violet Sage’s “Lazy Girl Fitness” floating around Pinterest, and with good reason. She shows you some super simple ways to add toning moves to your daily routine without breaking a sweat. You’ve gotta brush your teeth anyhow. You might as well work your calves at the same time!

Nature Walks:

Research has shown that time outdoors is good for you (physically and mentally). Even if you live in an urban area (like we do), I bet you can find local walking trails through green spaces of one sort or another, so go for a hike! You’ll get a Vit D boost, increased focus, and a happier mood. And there’s no denying that walking is good low-impact exercise. Let your kids tag along and it turns into an educational science activity as you explore trees, rocks, critters, etc. You can teach your kids (and yourself) about habitats, animal behavior, weather, seasons, erosion, how plants grow, etc. Go on an evening walk with your older kiddos and tell each other spooky stories for a family activity that’s not only fun, but good practice for listening and story-telling skills.

What do you do to squeeze fitness into your daily routine? Tell us in the comments!