Why Calisthenics is Perfect for Parents
Let’s face it, when you become a parent, your priorities completely change. One day you’re doing your own thing and putting yourself first and then suddenly you’re running around after little people. Those hobbies and self-care routines take a side-line once you find there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Once of the biggest sacrifices a parent has to make is leisure and, more specifically, exercise. There’s a reason it’s called a “dad bod” after all. Once those kids come along, the first thing to go is the gym membership, but it’s perfectly understandable. Not only can exercise take time but also money. That money for the £50 monthly gym membership might be better going towards a family day out, especially if you’re on a budget, like 90% of other parents.
Okay, so perhaps you’ve swapped lifting dumbbells for toddlers and find running around after your kids is enough exercise to keep active, but studies show that less than half of UK parents get enough exercise. For those who need a bit more activity though, the gym can sometimes feel out of reach. That’s where body weights and home exercise come in for the rescue.
For those new to calisthenics or just starting out on their journey, the first benefit they’ll notice is how little space the equipment needs. Unlike bulky dumbbells, benches, bars and plates which need racks and sometimes entire rooms to store, calisthenics equipment is light and easy to store. Parallettes, resistance bands and macebells can all easily be put away under the bed or closet, ready to get out for your evening routine.
Then there’s the cost. On average, you can save up to £200 on using calisthenics equipment rather than the equivalent conventional weights for the same muscle groups. Those racks and benches we mentioned before can start to add up, especially when you want to add more weights. “But what about progressive overloading!” I hear you cry. Well, that’s where weighted vests come in with body weight exercises. Need more of challenge on those dips and push ups? Add more weight to yourself! Which leads us onto the next thing…
As a parent, what is the one thing you might find yourself doing a lot more? Walking! Kids love a trip to the park or exploring the woods and countryside, so why not use this to your advantage? Maybe you even found carrying your kids around was enough to keep fit, but now they’ve grown up and too big to lug around, you want to keep exercising in the same way…don’t worry, we won’t judge! Well, weighted vests would be perfect for this as well and while your kids zip around on their scooters and bikes or climb trees and run through fields, you can keep those core and leg muscles active while hiking along after them in your weighted vest.
Summary
- Time-Saving and Convenient
- Work Out Anywhere, Anytime: With a busy parenting schedule, finding time to go to the gym can be tough. Calisthenics and bodyweight exercises can be done at home, in the park, or even while watching the kids, saving time and eliminating the need for a commute.
- No Equipment Needed: You don’t need any special equipment or a gym membership, making it easy to squeeze in a workout during naptime or while the kids are playing.
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Fit Around Family Life: Whether you have five minutes or an hour, you can adapt calisthenics to fit whatever time you have. You can also involve your kids in some exercises, turning it into a fun family activity.
- Functional Strength and Mobility
- Everyday Strength: Calisthenics builds functional strength that directly translates to everyday parenting tasks, like lifting your kids, carrying groceries, or running after toddlers.
- Improved Mobility: Bodyweight exercises often involve full-body movements that improve mobility and flexibility, which is essential when you’re constantly on the move with little ones.
- Cost-Effective
- Free Fitness: No need for a gym membership or pricey equipment. Calisthenics is a budget-friendly way to stay in shape, which is great when you’re juggling family expenses.
- Stress Relief and Mental Well-Being
- Quick Mood Boost: Exercise is a natural stress reliever, and the flexibility of calisthenics means you can grab a quick workout whenever you need a mental break from parenting challenges.
- Improved Focus: Regular bodyweight workouts can help you feel more energized and focused, making it easier to handle the demands of parenting.
- Set a Healthy Example
- Role Modeling: By working out at home, your kids can see you making fitness a priority, which sets a great example for them to stay active and healthy too.
