Five Kiddo Workouts | Friday Five

Well, this week has been a bit of a wash for weather. After getting a great 8 mile run in Sunday night in 40 degree temperatures (which felt fantastically warm here in the northeast), we got rain, snow, sleet and colder temps all week. It has been less than ideal and less than safe for running outside. It means it's time to turn indoors. Of course, everyone knows the things you can do in the gym, but what about when you're at home, when you have no time to get to the gym or even away from the kids? What's a busy parent to do?  The topic for this week's Friday Five linkup is indoor workouts. I'm going to answer my own questions and help you to stay fit with your kids. This week's topic is

Five Kiddo Workouts

1. Baby Bench Presses

We'll start with the 18 lb press. I make good use of my 6 month old by pressing him up over my head with kisses in between. He gets the giggles, I get a smile and a light workout. For an extra challenge, I can lay on the floor and follow it up with my 3 year old when she asks for "My turn!".

2. Tackle!

This is a favorite game of my 3 year old. It goes like this, you kneel, she walks back, gets a big running start and just runs into you. You catch her and go back to the floor. Doing it without going down too hard gives you a small ab workout. Then of course, you can go straight into a toddler bench press (see above).

3. Horsey

Given the nature of the first two, you can guess this one. It involves playing the role of Sparky (horse to the Disney Junior's Sheriff Callie) with the 3 year old on top. It can involve of course all fours or more of a piggy back horsey ride. The alternate version involves sitting on the couch, where your leg plays the role of Sparky in a leg extension-like exercise.

4. Laundry basket shuffle

Ok, this is hardly a "favorite" but it is a good workout. We live in a townhome with laundry in the basement. That makes for two flights of stairs when doing the laundry. Make it a weekend of backed up laundry and that can be a lot of good steps lugging full baskets up and down. The kids come in when they want to help, or when the 6 month old sits in the basket too (shh... don't tell my wife).

5. Kiddo Back Pack

The last is simple: baby wearing (listing this will make my wife happy). With a variety of carriers and wraps, I can hook on either my 6 month or 3 year old. It makes them easier to carry and free your hands up for other things. My wife's become a baby wearing ninja to get things done, even having them both up at the same time. It can absolutely be a great work out, provided the kiddo stays happy. We've used it plenty out and about and it can make life so much easier, not to mention great for when they fall asleep being much easier on the arms.

Linking Up

Check here for some links out to others sharing, staring with our three lovely hosts: Courtney, Cynthia and Mar. Check their posts (Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run to see the full set of links). I will add some others, usually randomly, as I read them to share the love. Go visit and keep reading!


Our hosts:

You Signed Up for What?!

Mar on the Run

Eat, Pray, Run DC

Some other good reads, pulled from the link up: