Not sure how to exercise with toddler

[Blueberryandfrangipane]

You know how everyone always says you’ll be fit running after a toddler? I’m not, because everywhere we do go is toddler pace (with lots of stops!)

He won’t tolerate the pushchair for long so pram walks are out. Have tried the crèche at the gym but he cried so much I couldn’t. I suppose home workouts are the only way forward but I’m rubbish at them.

Any hacks or is it just waiting till he’s older?

Hi, I do homeworkouts and put my 1.5 year old in the travel cot next to me, appreciate not all little ones are ok with being in a travel cot but he just plays with his toys or watches me. If I’m running then I go before he gets up in the morning and I take him to parkrun with me in a running buggy on Saturday. I know you said he doesn’t tolerate the pram but you might find he gets so distracted looking at everyone that he may manage ok.

For home workouts I use the Courtney black app, she has various trainers on there, although I don’t enjoy her specific workouts I use the strength ones which are carried out by Luke, all you need is some dumbells.

good luck

Home work outs or going when your partner is home is the only way I found. There are lots of really good ones online to do at home.

I did Joe Wicks workouts on YouTube and later signed up to the app. My toddler joined in with me and really enjoyed it. My exercise wasn't as good as it could have been (dodging the toddler) but was a lot better than nothing and I liked that DD saw her mum doing exercise. Also hilarious watching her do squats!

Depends on the age. On Mat leave, I used the running buggy- didn't give him the choice about whether he "tolerated" it (though largely he liked it; I guess it depends how badly they're objecting) and also at the weekend that was my turn to run without the buggy, DH would use it. Once back at work, I swam three mornings a week (in the pool just after 06:30, at work for 08:00) and DH did the morning and nursery run. DH went to the gym on the other two mornings.

Mat leave is under one though - usually. They get much trickier post 18 months, in some ways anyway!

Thanks for advice re workouts!

I also do home workouts. Sometimes try and do them with her around which isn't always that successful 😂 but like pp said I like that she sees me exercising and tries to join in and copy. Other times I wait until she's gone to bed and do it then instead. I aways get a shower before bed at night so this works out ok for me but I know it wouldn't suit others. It does mean that I don't get much 'down time' some evenings but I try and prioritise exercise when I can.

Bike with toddler seat