If you’re like a lot of parents today your days are probably full of work, running errands and chauffeuring kids to and from school and then to and from practice. We tend to put our kids first, leaving little or no time for ourselves. We think about getting up a little earlier each morning and going for a walk or a run to get our bodies and our minds back into shape.

Research has confirmed that any amount of exercise is beneficial. Regular fitness activities help ward off heart disease, control Type II diabetes, reduce the risk of stroke and high blood pressure, and prevent excessive weight gain and obesity. A consistent fitness program can even help manage or prevent back pain and osteoporosis. And, those are just the physical benefits. Psychologically, exercising can improve self-esteem, help you cope with stress and ward off depression and anxiety.

Think you don’t have time to stay fit? Think again. What are you doing when you’re at the practice field with your kids? Probably just sitting there chatting it up with some of the other parents, right? Well, how about getting up out of your folding chair and moving around a little? Better still; leave the chair in your car so you’re not tempted to use it. Here’s some ideas on how you can make time for fitness despite your busy schedule.

If your child is school age

If your child is a teenager

Many youth sports practices are held at local schools and more often than not schools have tracks. Here’s a great opportunity to sneak in a power walk or run. Ask another parent to go with you to keep you motivated. The idea is to get up and get in your own game.

Linde Hyder, i9 Sports Mom Blogger

You may also be interested in these related blog posts:

Mental Practice as Important as Field Practice

Back to School: Keeping Kids Healthy