As a parent, finding time to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle can be challenging. Juggling work, household responsibilities, and parenting duties often leaves little room for exercise. But it’s important for parents to prioritize their health and well-being in order to be their best selves for their families. Here are some creative ideas for parents to stay active and incorporate fitness into their busy schedules.
Family Fitness Challenges
Turn staying active into a fun and interactive activity for the whole family. Set up fitness challenges that everyone can participate in, such as a weekend step challenge, a family yoga session, or even a friendly competition to see who can do the most push-ups or sit-ups. By involving the family, you stay active and bond over a shared activity.
Make Chores a Workout
Household chores are a part of every parent’s daily routine. Why not turn them into a workout? Vacuuming, sweeping, mopping and gardening are all activities that can help you break a sweat and burn some calories. Put on some music and put a little more oomph in each chore to turn it into a mini workout session.
Incorporate Exercise into Daily Routines
Look for ways to sneak in exercise throughout your day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, do some squats while brushing your teeth, or go for a brisk walk during your lunch break. Small, consistent efforts to move more can add up and make a big difference in your overall fitness level.
Join Parent-Child Exercise Classes
Many gyms and fitness centers offer parent-child exercise classes that allow you to work out while spending quality time with your little ones. These classes often involve activities such as dancing, yoga, or even mini boot camps designed for both parents and children to enjoy together.
Create a Home Workout Space
Setting up a home gym or workout space can make it easier to fit in quick exercise sessions throughout the day. Invest in some basic workout equipment, like dumbbells, resistance bands and a yoga mat, and follow along with online workout videos or apps that offer guided exercises for busy parents.
Get Active Outdoors
Take advantage of the great outdoors and plan family outings that involve physical activity. Go for a hike, bike ride or a nature walk in the park. Outdoor activities offer a refreshing change of scenery and a chance to connect with nature.
Great Local Fitness Centers for Parents
Many gyms around southwest Ohio cater to parents, offering flexible memberships and childcare options that allow you to prioritize fitness without compromising family time. Here are some local places that can help you stay healthy while making sure your kids are cared for.
Five Seasons Family Sports Club
With locations in Cincinnati and Dayton, Five Seasons Family Sports Club offers something for everyone. Enjoy racquet sports like pickleball and tennis, year-round swimming with lessons for all ages, and group fitness or personal training. Parents can enjoy peace of mind while working out or taking a steam in the sauna, thanks to supervised childcare at the Kids Club.
YMCA in SW Ohio
The YMCA is known for its family-friendly approach, and its Greater Dayton, Greater Miami Valley and Greater Cincinnati locations are no exception. Memberships include access to amenities like swimming pools, group fitness classes, and sports leagues. Many branches also feature kids’ programming where your children can engage in enriching activities while you exercise.
Burn Boot Camp
Burn Boot Camp offers 45-minute camps that alternate between strength and conditioning to keep your body challenged and engaged. With locations around southwest Ohio, membership perks include complimentary Childwatch for kids 8 weeks to 12 years old.
EveryBody Fitness Clubs
With eight locations across southwest Ohio, EveryBody Fitness Clubs provide a wide range of cardio machines, strength and functional training equipment, group fitness classes, and specialized programs led by certified trainers and instructors. One location is women-only, featuring classes like sculpting, Zumba, strength training and aqua fitness.
Fit4Mom Central Cincinnati
Fit4Mom Central Cincinnati offers activities for mothers in every stage of their parenting journey, from prenatal fitness to postnatal workouts and beyond. Their signature Stroller Strides class is a 60-minute total-body workout that combines cardio, strength, and core training — all while engaging your little ones in a stroller.
