So it’s the Summer time, or Winter vacation, or Spring break, and your kids are home. What you normally do while they are in school has come to a screeching halt. The carpets aren’t vacuumed. The laundry isn’t done and the house looks like a tornado hit it. Not to mention the fact that you have not worked out in days! Maybe weeks! And the excuses begin! Well? That’s NOT cool!!! Your body is not on vacation just because your kids are home! Don’t treat it any different!

So what that your schedule is a little messed up. Make the time to get your workout in. Here are some ways to go about doing that, and still remaining sane!

~ If you do in-home fitness (like I do) then wake up before the kids and use that quiet time for your workout. That time of the day is incredible to workout! You get your blood flowing, you build up your endorphin levels and you will be in a great mood for the rest of the day…assuming your kids are on their best behavior!

~ Take the kids out on their bikes. If they are old enough to ride on their own, you can power walk with them or even run/jog. You will get to spend quality time with them, get your cardio in and burn some calories! You will have happy kids and a happy body!

~ Clean the house! I love blasting the music and cleaning while the kids play outside or inside with each other. So, not only does your house take it’s natural shape back, sort of, but you get to sweat, burn calories and dance around the house like a mad person to your favorite music!

~ Invite your kids to workout WITH you! I love when I am doing my strength training and my kids come down, grab some light weights and lift with me! My 4 year old son takes the power stands and does his push ups! It doesn’t get any better than sharing the gift of health and fitness with your children! Start teaching them NOW!!!

~ DANCE! Put on some music that the kids love and dance around the living room like crazy people! Act like your favorite animals. Copy the kids! Have a freeze dance contest! Make up a routine together. Kids love stuff like that.

~ Go to the playground. But don’t just sit there watching your kids! Play WITH them…climb, jump, swing…HAVE GOOD OLD FASHIONED FUN!You’ll be surprised how letting yourself go could make you feel!

~ SWIM! In the summertime there is nothing like a refreshing dip in the pool. So why not make the most of it?! Have races with your kids in the pool, play Marco Polo, walk the length of the pool for a certain amount of time. There are so many great ways to enjoy the water!

There are NO excuses. Kids are part of your life. Your life depends on you being healthy. Your kids depend on YOU! Without working out, your body will be out of shape and your health will not be prime. How will you keep up with your kids? Make your kids understand how important fitness is to you, and then they will pick up on that belief. I would love to hear how you have incorporated fitness into your daily routine with your children.