Fitness: Staying Active When You Have Young Children

Overview

Even people who are very determined to keep up their healthy habits can lose them after they have children. Young children can demand so much of your time that you barely have time to breathe, let alone be physically active. Having a young child doesn't leave you much time for yourself. Here are some tips for staying active.

• Share babysitting duties so you get some time for yourself.

  Share with your spouse, another relative, or a neighbor. While they watch your child, you can get some exercise. Then you can return the favor.

• Get your exercise in small chunks.

  Three 10-minute periods of activity spread throughout the day are just as good as one 30-minute period. Find the time that works best for you and your family.

• If you work outside the home, exercise at work or on the way to or from work.