7 Ways to Exercise as a Mom With Small Kids

Exercising as a mom with small children is NOT easy. Rarely do I get a workout in that’s not interrupted by crying, requests for more food, or a toddler hanging onto my legs or crawling on my belly.

But with a little creativity, flexibility, and determination, it is possible.

And I’m going to share seven ways YOU can exercise as a mom with small kids!

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7 Ways to exercise as a mom With Small Kids

Exercise while they’re sleeping

The easiest way to exercise when you have small kids is to do it while they’re sleeping. Squeeze in a workout before they wake up, fit it in during nap time, or wait until they go to bed.

I know, we always have a list a mile long of things we save for when they’re sleeping, but it’s okay (good, even!) to prioritize your physical health and fitness.

Need help building your workouts into your morning or evening routines? I highly recommend Crystal Paine’s Make Over Your Mornings and Make Over Your Evenings courses!
Use In-home workouts

The beauty of living in the digital age is that we have access to a wealth of options for working out in the comfort and privacy of our own home.

This makes working out with kids quite convenient (other than the obstacles and interruptions they present… more on that later.)

Living in the country with a husband who leaves for work early in the morning, this is my go-to option!

Related Post: My All-Time Favorite Workouts for Busy Moms
Leave the House

On the other hand, it might be better for you to get out of the house and go somewhere else entirely, whether that’s a gym or rec center or the great outdoors.

Maybe you thrive off of the accountability of a class or workout buddy. Maybe you find it a lot more enjoyable. Or maybe you simply enjoy the “me time.”

There’s no one right way to do this. Find what you’re most likely to stick with and go for it!
Trade with your husband

If you’re married, you might try trading times with your husband.

Trade off getting the kids ready for school in the mornings or putting them to bed at night, giving the other spouse time to exercise.

Or, trade childcare responsibilities for 30-minute chunks of time in the evenings to take a walk, run, work out, etc.
Incorporate your kids into your workouts

If it doesn’t work for you to exercise without your kids, find ways to exercise with them.

Incorporate your kids into your exercise! Go on walks or bike rides together (we love our Thule for the little ones), find a local Strollercize program, or do a “Baby & Me” workout. Not only will you benefit from the exercise, but it can also be quality time together.

For more ways to incorporate your kids into your workouts, check out this post!
Think outside the “workout” box

You might also have to think outside the box a bit as far as how you define “work out.”

Having a dance party with your kids, cleaning your house, or working in your garden are all great ways to get moving and can certainly count towards your daily exercise.
Let go of your expectations

Finally, sometimes you have to embrace your current reality and let go of your picture of a “real” workout.

Sometimes that means lots of interruptions, turning a 20-minute workout into a 30-minute ordeal.

Sometimes it means attempting to do squats with a baby barnacle on your leg or a toddler across your tummy.

And sometimes it means sidestepping toys, children, and who-knows-what-else as you complete your favorite cardio routine.

But that’s okay because something is always better than nothing. And you’re setting an example to your kids of making healthy choices.

So, rather than grow frustrated and resentful over what your exercise is not, choose to embrace what it is and make the most of it. Because mental health and relationships are just as important as physical strength.

Exercising as a mom with small kids is definitely not easy, but it is possible and it is worth the effort.

It’s worth it for the health of your body, it’s worth it for your mental well-being, and it’s worth it for the added strength and energy it gives you to take care of your family.

It just might look a little different these days, and that’s okay! Get creative, do what you can (and give grace for what you can’t), and remember — something is always better than nothing.

SHARE WITH US: Do you have any other tips for how to exercise as a mom with small children? Share them in the comments below!