Getting physical activity while watching kids
Adding more movement to the day
This is my pitch that most parents with sedentary jobs could be getting in more physical activity while we supervise our kids. We can increase our chances of being healthy at an older age, and eventually playing with our grandchildren or great-grandchildren.
A little exercise is way better than none
I am not much of an exercise person. I cannot be bothered to go to a gym. I’m willing to work out for like 12 minutes at a time. But the biggest gains come from moving from a low amount to a medium amount of exercise!
Chart from BBC, I think based on this Lancet metaanalysis
You can move around while your kids play
When I go to the playground, it’s full of parents like me who just spent the day at a desk job, and who are mostly standing and sitting around while their kids play. Jeff is very popular with the kids because he plays.
Ways to get more movement while supervising kids:
Walk or jog around.
Play running / chasing games with the kids.
Kick a ball around with the kids.
Do bodyweight exercise. I am often the weirdo doing lunges or jumping jacks at the playground.
When I’m supervising my kids in the bath, I try to at least stretch and move around a bit, or put on music and dance.
Doing more trips up and down the stairs to get/put away things than is really needed.
Walks or errands pushing kids in a stroller.
More ideas for playground workouts.
Dressing for movement
I find I can dress in a way that’s fine for remote work and also fine for a lunchtime jog around the block and playground time after work.
Wearing shoes I can move around in. I want my default shoes to be ones I’m comfortable jogging for a few minutes in. In cold weather my default is slip-on Clarks, and this summer I liked moving to close-toed sandals that felt much less slidey on my foot.
I think a big reason women don’t move more is if it’s uncomfortable without a supportive bra. I’ve switched to wearing medium-support sports bras a lot of the time, and it’s changed how much activity is comfortable to do.
I wear clothes that allow for getting down on the floor to play with kids.
