As a stay-at-home mom, finding time for workouts can be challenging amidst your daily responsibilities. However, taking your fitness routine outdoors can be a refreshing and invigorating way to stay active while enjoying quality time with your little ones. Outdoor workouts offer a breath of fresh air, a change of scenery, and the freedom to explore various exercises without the constraints of a gym. In this blog post, we’ll explore a range of outdoor workouts designed specifically for stay-at-home moms. Get ready to soak up the sun, breathe in the fresh air, and embark on an exciting journey of outdoor fitness as a supermom!
Outdoor Workouts for Stay-at-Home Moms
1. Park Workouts:
Local parks provide a perfect setting for outdoor workouts. Utilize benches for step-ups, tricep dips, and push-ups. Use resistance bands for strength exercises or enjoy bodyweight exercises like lunges, squats, and planks on the grass. Engaging in park workouts allows you and your little ones to bond and explore the outdoors together.
2. Nature Hikes:
Nature hikes not only provide an excellent cardiovascular workout but also allow you to connect with the natural world. Find nearby hiking trails or nature reserves and take your kids on an adventure through the wilderness. Hiking helps improve endurance, leg strength and offers a much-needed mental break from the daily routine.
Why it works: Hiking is an excellent way to get a cardiovascular workout while enjoying nature. It’s also a great family activity.
How to do it:
- Choose trails that are suitable for your fitness level and those of your children.
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes and bring plenty of water.
- Use a baby carrier for younger children, or let older kids walk alongside you.
3. Playground Circuits:
Turn the playground into your personal outdoor gym! Incorporate bodyweight exercises like monkey bars pull-ups, swings lunges, and slide mountain climbers. Playground circuits are fun and engaging for kids, making it a win-win situation for both fitness and playtime.
4. Yoga in the park or beach:
If you’re lucky to live near the beach, take advantage of the sandy shores for a rejuvenating beach yoga session. Practice sun salutations and grounding poses as the sound of waves soothes your soul. Beach yoga provides an excellent opportunity for relaxation, flexibility, and grounding in nature.
Why it works: Practicing yoga outdoors can enhance your relaxation and mindfulness. It’s also a great way to engage in a low-impact, full-body workout.
How to do it:
- Find a quiet, shaded spot in your local park.
- Bring a yoga mat or towel.
- Follow a guided yoga session from an app or YouTube video, focusing on poses that improve flexibility, strength, and balance.
5. Family Bike Rides:
Hop on your bikes with the kids and explore your neighborhood or nearby bike trails. Family bike rides offer a fantastic cardiovascular workout and a chance to bond as a family. The kids will love the adventure, and you’ll all benefit from the fresh air and exercise.
6. Outdoor Dance Parties:
Create a playlist of your favorite tunes and have an outdoor dance party with your kids. Dance is not only a fun activity but also an excellent cardio workout. Let loose, move to the music, and burn calories while enjoying a family dance-off.
7. Morning Stroller Walks or Runs
Why it works: Incorporating your child into your workout routine can make exercise more manageable and enjoyable. Morning stroller walks or runs are an excellent way to get moving without needing a babysitter.
How to do it:
- Invest in a good quality jogging stroller.
- Choose a safe, smooth path for walking or running.
- Start with a warm-up walk, then alternate between walking and jogging.
- Gradually increase the jogging intervals as your fitness improves.
Tips for Success:
- Stay Consistent: Try to incorporate outdoor workouts into your weekly routine. Consistency is key to seeing results.
- Be Prepared: Always have water, sunscreen, and snacks for you and your children.
- Stay Safe: Choose safe locations, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid extreme weather conditions.
- Get Creative: Use your environment to your advantage. A little creativity can turn any outdoor space into a personal gym.
Essential Items for Outdoor Workouts for Stay-at-Home Moms
Embarking on outdoor workouts can be both exciting and rewarding. To ensure you’re well-equipped and comfortable, here are some essential items you can find on Amazon to enhance your outdoor fitness experience.
1. Jogging Stroller
Item: Baby Jogger Summit X3 Jogging Stroller
Why you need it: A sturdy, reliable jogging stroller allows you to bring your child along for your walks or runs, making it easier to incorporate exercise into your routine.
2. Quality Athletic Shoes
Item: ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 7 Running Shoes
Why you need it: Proper footwear is essential for comfort and injury prevention during outdoor workouts. Look for shoes that provide good support and are suitable for various terrains.
3. Water Bottle
Item: Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Water Bottle
Why you need it: Staying hydrated is crucial during any workout. A durable, insulated water bottle will keep your drink cold and accessible.
4. Portable Mat
Item: Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat
Why you need it: A portable mat is perfect for stretching, yoga, or bodyweight exercises on the grass. Look for a thick, non-slip mat for added comfort.
5. Resistance Bands
Item: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
Why you need it: Resistance bands are lightweight, portable, and versatile, allowing you to perform a variety of strength training exercises outdoors.
6. Sun Protection
Item: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 70
Why you need it: Protecting your skin from UV rays is essential when working out outside. Choose a high SPF sunscreen that is water-resistant and sweat-proof.
7. Fitness Tracker
Item: Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness & Health Tracker
Why you need it: A fitness tracker helps you monitor your activity levels, heart rate, and calories burned, providing valuable feedback on your progress.
8. Bluetooth Headphones
Item: Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earphones
Why you need it: Music or podcasts can make your workout more enjoyable. Choose wireless headphones that are sweat-resistant and have a secure fit.
9. Athletic Clothing
Item: CRZ YOGA Women’s High Waist Yoga Pants
Why you need it: Comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing is essential for outdoor workouts. Opt for breathable fabrics that allow freedom of movement.
10. Foam Roller
Item: TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller
Why you need it: A foam roller is great for post-workout recovery, helping to relieve muscle tightness and improve flexibility.
11. First Aid Kit
Item: Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit
Why you need it: Accidents can happen, especially outdoors. Having a compact first aid kit on hand ensures you’re prepared for minor injuries.
12. Baby Carrier
Item: Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier
Why you need it: For moms with younger children, a baby carrier allows you to hike or walk hands-free while keeping your baby close and secure.
Conclusion: Outdoor workouts provide a refreshing and enjoyable way for stay-at-home moms to stay active and embrace the beauty of nature. From park workouts and nature hikes to playground circuits and beach yoga, the options for outdoor fitness are limitless. Take advantage of the great outdoors to prioritize your health and well-being while creating precious memories with your little ones. Embrace the freedom and invigoration of outdoor workouts, and watch as your fitness journey transforms into a delightful adventure for both you and your family. Remember, the joy of being a supermom lies not only in nurturing your kids but also in nurturing yourself. So, get out there, embrace the great outdoors, and relish the blissful journey of outdoor fitness! You’ve got this, supermom!