Working Out With a Toddler

Everyone knows once you become a parent, time seems to move at warp speed and there never seem to be enough hours to get anything done. Unless you count negotiations with two year olds, tantrum diffusing, and cleaning the never-ending flow of crumbs on the floor as getting stuff done. If you're like me and spent a great deal of time at the gym prior to entering this world of parenthood, you may be mourning that time you spent working on yourself. As a single, full time working mom, with a two year old who's bed time is 7pm, going to the gym just isn't an option anymore.

Of course, the logical solution is to include your mini human in your workouts at home. Not only are you able to spend quality time with your child, but you get to teach them the importance of exercise and staying healthy.

But, has anyone ever actually worked out with a toddler in the room? It's impossible. 

They don't understand that they need to follow along with whatever moves Shaun T or Jillian Michaels are doing. 
They don't understand that if they attempt to lift that 12kg kettle bell or carry around the 10 lb dumbbells that they will drop one on themselves and probably break their foot. Or mommy's foot. 
They don't understand that if they push mommy over in the middle of that yoga posture, she's likely to tweak a muscle making her life even more impossible for weeks following. 
They don't understand that you aren't on your hands and knees to give them a horsey ride. 
They don't understand that the toys beneath your feet are posing a serious risk of injury. 
They don't understand that the yoga mat is for standing on, not pretending it's a blanket and sleeping under. 
They don't understand that by giving mommy 30 minutes of time to get her sweat on peacefully, the world will be a better place. 
They don't understand how happy mommy would be to see her little heart grow up to be a runner, or a yogi, or an Olympic weightlifter just like mommy. 

They just don't understand. Toddlers have a mind of their own, any mother can agree to that. Working out with your toddler is a myth, it just doesn't exist. If you want to keep your sanity and fit in your workout, I suggest waking up at the crack of dawn and working out in the pitch black so as not to wake the sleeping beast, wait until the child goes to bed and risk that post-workout high keeping you up until just before your child decides to wake up for a middle of the night party, or pour yourself a glass of wine and work out your right to relax. 

Becky, the face behind The Bex Factor is a 28 year old working mom to a goofy one year old with a love for fitness and her community.  Her passions include leading a healthy lifestyle through yoga, running, Crossfit, obstacle racing and healthy eating, and discovering the best local things to eat, see and do.