Ok, press pause on Paw Patrol, it’s time to get active, and your kids can help. Don’t let them become the excuse you use for not exercising.

Having kids is awesome, if not a little time consuming, tiring and stressful. If you’re struggling to find time to hit the gym, you can incorporate your little ones into short workouts to help tide you over. And as Keith McNiven, British and national wrestling champion and owner of Right Path Fitness, explains, exercising together will increase the bond with your kids.

SIT UPS

“Sit ups help you to strengthen and firm your stomach. Doing sit-ups with your child can help you to get those washboard abs even quicker,” explains McNiven.

HOW TO DO IT: Lay down with your knees bent and your feet placed flat on the ground. Your child will be bending down opposite you, and have their hands on your knees. Cross your arms over your chest so your hands touch the opposite shoulders.  Tighten your abdominal muscles and draw your belly button in to your spine. Slowly sit up, by bringing your head up first and then your shoulders. Hold the position for a second, and then slowly lay back down.

PUSH UPS

“Push ups are usually the first exercise that we are introduced to, so it makes perfect sense to do this workout with your little one. Having your child on your back when doing push ups will help to strengthen your upper body.”

HOW TO DO IT: Begin, by placing your hands underneath your shoulders. Your legs should be straight and extended, and the balls of your feet ar
e firmly on the ground. Your child should now place themselves on top of your back. Keep your core tight and your butt squeezed as you lower your body down until your chest touches the ground. Keep your body in a straight line as you push away from the floor and bring your body back up to the starting position.

SQUATS

“Squats are the signature exercise when it comes to toning your lower body. Having your child on your back adds a whole new dimension to the workout.”

HOW TO DO IT: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointed slightly outward. Bend your knees and lower your hips as if you were sitting down.  Your child should now climb onto your back, the child should put their arms around your neck and their hands on your chest. You should hold onto your child’s hands to keep them safe and sturdy. Now, you lower your hips until they form a 90-degree bend at the knee. Contract your abdominal muscles, pushing your weight down into your heels. Push straight back up, lifting your hips up and forward.

LUNGES

“Lunges help to tone your legs and backside, but you need to make sure your form is correct. Incorporating your child into this workout will help to maximise
its effects.”

HOW TO DO IT: Most importantly, make sure your body is straight. Step forward with one leg, lowering your hips until both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.  Now extend your arms to grab your child and have them placed on your knee, as you go back to your starting position.

THE PLANK

“Planking helps to improve your core and strengthen your posture. Partnering up with your child adds another dynamic to this straight forward workout.”

HOW TO DO IT:  Get into the push up position on the floor, and have your child climb onto your back. Now bend your elbows 90 degrees and rest you and your child’s weight on your forearms. Make sure your elbows are directly beneath your shoulders, your body should form a straight line from your head to your feet. Hold the position for as long as you can. For best results, hold it for two minutes.

 https://RIGHTPATHFITNESS.co.uk