What It’s Like to Work Out With A Toddler
As we’ve said before, the fun/challenge/irony of motherhood is that as soon as you think you’ve got something figured out, your child goes and changes so fast that any feelings of “I got this” are swiftly and humbly replaced with “For BLEEP’S sake, what the BLEEP am I doing?!” So, after sharing what it’s like to work out with a 10-month old months ago, I thought it might be fun to share what it’s like to work out with your toddler. Because now that Gwen is 15 months and walking, it’s a WHOLE. NEW. BALLGAME.
(And, yeah, I got no moves that are in any way shape or form close to Gina’s. Damn, Gina!)
What It’s Like to Work Out With a Toddler: Step by Step
First, pack everything you think your toddler might need into multiple bags and then stuff into the car. Every time I go to the gym I bring snacks, the diaper bag, her backpack filled with toys and activities and books, a sippy cup — and, oh, yeah, a snack for me and water bottle for me.
Plus, the jogging stroller. Getting ready to even go to the gym is pretty much a workout in and of itself.
Then, there’s driving to the gym and unpacking all the stuff. Definitely warmed up now.
Once in the gym, the assessment begins. Does the child need entertainment or a snack right away? Or do I have a little time to let her wander about safely before the craziness begins?
If other kids are at the gym, bonus! Instant entertainment. (And hugs.)
Usually though, it’s strapped into the jogging stroller with snacks. Otherwise? Herding cats.
Then, like working out with a kiddo at any age, you hustle. And distract, distract, distract. Because you never know when they might be done.
Like, done, done.
And that’s when you get CREATIVE.
And thank your lucky stars for help, as your gym buds help entertain your toddler, too.
Then, you towel off. Share a drink with your grabby toddler, and begin your cool down. You know, packing everything up and loading the car back up. Again.
What’s it’s like working out with your toddler? I feel pretty lucky. Gwen really is pretty good and seriously does love going to the gym. And she’s now at the age when she’s trying to join in by doing squats and even mimicking us foam-rolling. Just gotta watch her around the kettlebells. Girlfriend likes to go heavy. —Jenn