Working out and being a fitness guru is not something that comes naturally to me. I am, however, really good at sitting around with bowls of ice cream and making movie characters my close companions. Translation: I am a fantastic couch potato. Unfortunately, long gone are the days of quick metabolism and my body isn't so resilient as it once was before having babies. Joints and muscles ache in places I didn't even know they could, and it is essential that I stay active to simply stay healthy and keep this machine running!
If you're a parent, you know as well as I do that finding the time to work out with little ones can be tricky. After much trial and error, I've learned to adjust my fitness activities to things I can do with Luke and Wes around. Why not try to incorporate things they can be a part of, right? Here are a few of my go-to tips and workout routines with little ones around:
1. Yoga. This is by far my favorite way to stay fit. I have minor back and knee issues, and yoga works like a dream to keep things toned and strengthened. I am by no means a yogi, I am the least flexible person in the world, and my technique is basic, but that's what I love about yoga. It's something you can take at your own pace, and it's about you and your practice. There is no judgment and it's about loving yourself. I like to watch videos, and Luke is at the age where he can finally do poses with me. He mostly thinks it is a game, and laughs his head off most of the time. Win, win!
2. Hiking. There are a good handful of kid-friendly trails here in Southern California (Torrey Pines is our favorite), so we like to take a hike every month or two. I strap Wes on me and keep Luke by my side — we learn about nature, and get a workout in! Double victory, my friends. I am convinced this is one of the most excellent ways to get some serious cardio and weight lifting in. I mean, between lugging around an extra 20 pounds on your back and running after a toddler on an incline, you're basically Arnold Schwarzenegger by the end. Or Chuck Norris.
3. Jogging. We recently invested in a high quality double jogging stroller, and I am here to tell you it is absolutely worth the investment. Going for a jog with the babies in tow is a breeze and it usually lulls them to sleep. Yes, please!
4. Workout Videos. Like yoga, this doesn't require leaving the house and you can essentially do any workout your heart desires. Whether you do it with your kids, or during naptime, it's always a good option for sneaking in a workout. This one is a good one for shoulders:
I don't know about you, but getting a cute activewear outfit is the perfect way to jump start my fitness and keep me excited and motivated. Since I basically live at Target®, I decided to try out their new C9 activewear collection, and I love it. The pieces fit well, are made of quality, lightweight material and have a great selection of colors. Most importantly, they are affordable and give me that extra nudge I need to live a more active life.
I decided to go with a sassy punch of color and ordered the Sporty Layered Run Tank and the Run Shorts with Knit Waistband. They keep you dry and aren't too tight or too loose. I kinda felt like Goldie Locks when I put them on because they were juuust right.
If you are in the market for some cute new gear, I truly do recommend the Target® C9 activewear collection, and hope some of these tips and ideas help kickstart you into a simple fitness routine even with your kids around and jumping in on the action. Remember, it's all about just keeping yourself healthy and happy! Good luck!
This post was sponsored by Target® C9 through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Target® C9, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting our sponsors!
