Only got a handful of minutes to squeeze a workout into your day? We get it. Between caregiving, working, community commitments, endless extracurriculars, and other obligations, it feels like there’s little if any time in the day to commit to exercise. But you don’t need a huge chunk of time to get your body moving and your heart rate elevated. This collection of 7-minute workouts can all be done in between house chores, work emails, or nursing sessions—plus, they’re all on YouTube. So if you’re getting back into the swing of at-home fitness or looking to mix things up from your standard routine, check out these 8 quick workouts that are even faster than an episode of Bluey.
7 Minutes to Strong Abs & Core Workout
What it is: This is a no-breaks basic mat workout that requires very little equipment. Opt for a 2- to 10-pound dumbbell or simply use your body weight as mom and fitness pro Larissa “Larie” Midkiff leads you through seated moves like modified crunches, bicycles, torso twists, and leg extensions. Why you’ll love it: Larie is super upbeat and highly motivating, provides modifications to challenge yourself even more, and offers tips for avoiding any back pain. You may not break a sweat during this 7-minute routine but you will feel the burn. And with the entire set being seated you might even be able to do this one with your little ones running around you.
Quick and Sweaty HIIT Cardio 7-Minute Workout
What it is: Fitness expert Courtney Prather runs through a fast-paced, high-intensity interval training workout. This routine covers everything from abs and arms to butt and legs. Moves include burpees, crab kicks, curtsy lunges, plank walk-outs and plank jacks, v-sit crunches, and speed skaters. You’ll do 12 moves, each for 30 seconds, with 10 seconds of rest in between. Why you’ll love it: This routine will help you activate your core and focus on your form to get the most out of your time. Courtney works to intense music with an enviably chic gym in the background and provides modifications for each move to accommodate all skill levels (no equipment required!). Here’s a chance to push yourself to your max and go all out because this workout is short, will help you break a sweat, and provides a much-needed energy boost.
7 Minute Workout | Full Body HIIT
What it is: Fitness trainer and mom of three Sarah Mailloux (@coach_fitmomma) oozes energy as she cycles through push-ups, ab crunches, squats and wall sits, jumping jacks, planks, and more with 10-second breaks. She focuses on the moves while Tabata Songs takes over providing prompts to start and finish each exercise. You’ll need a table, chair, or high block for step-ups and dips. Why you’ll love it: You can do this workout almost anywhere, be it at your house, office, or while traveling and staying in a hotel. Enjoy the natural landscape vistas and let Sarah and her DJ be your cheerleaders.
7-Minute Full Body Toning Workout
What it is:Meredith Shirk of Svelte Training leads you through a warm-up, workout, and flow down for a complete, full-body burn. Prepare for lots of squat punches, Superman swimmers, sit-holds, hand circles, and more, along with active recovery moves like boxer bounces. Why you’ll love it: Meredith’s beautiful backyard oasis will leave you feeling transported. We love how she gives helpful reminders to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, plus modifications if you want to ease into the routine.
The 7-Minute Workout 2.0
What it is:Inger Houghton, who gained a lot of social media attention while exercising during pregnancy, guides you through the well-known scientifically based sequence of movements known as “The 7-Minute Workout.” This includes jumping jacks, jumping squats, mountain climber push-ups, wall sits with alternating leg kicks, triceps dips on a chair, planks with alternating leg lifts, lunges, crunches, and more. Why you’ll love it: If you’re a fan of the autopilot nature of Tabata Songs then you’ll dig the prompts letting you know when exercises stop and start, and what’s coming up next. The format makes the workout practically fly by so you can get on with your busy life.
7 Min Full Body HIIT Workout
What it is: Mom of two and digital creator Patricia Kraft offers a beautifully produced 7-minute workout “for new moms and busy people.” It’s full of moves like reverse lunges, squats, side kicks, shoulder presses, Supermans, lateral crunches, hip thrusts, and more, with a completion meter for each move and an upcoming move preview. She includes a gentle suggestion to repeat the video at the very end if you want to up your workout with a second round. Why you’ll love it: There’s something really nice and almost soothing about the presentation Kraft has created. There’s absolutely no talking, just music with a great beat to keep you cycling through the moves.
The Scientific 7-Minute Workout Video
What it is: Here’s another relatively analog presentation of a simple but effective 7-minute workout. Kelli Segars of Fitness Blender moves against an all-white background without music or any bells and whistles. You’ll complete 12 exercises (including jumping jacks, wall sits, push-ups, crunches, squats, planks, high knees, and more) for 30 seconds each with 10-second active breaks in between. Why you’ll love it: Kelli will inspire you to push yourself through every move to really make the time count—and all you need is a chair.
Lazy Girl Full Body Workout – 7 min.
What it is:Vicky Justiz is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer who runs through a series of planks, leg lifts, leg raises, Supermans, fire hydrants, arm circles, calf raises, bouncing lunges, squats, and more. Why you’ll love it: Vicky offers a no-frills exercise routine that’s apartment-friendly and free of jumping or anything that makes too much noise—perfect if you’ve got a sleeping baby. This full-body workout will wake you up without getting super sweaty.
If you’re pregnant, your fitness journey doesn’t have to come to a halt. In fact, plenty of New York City’s most popular exercise studios offer prenatal fitness classes to keep you—and baby—healthy!
Staying healthy while pregnant is one of the best things you can do for your baby and yourself. After confirming what’s OK with your doctor, check out our top prenatal workouts in NYC, including prenatal yoga, prenatal pilates, cycling in and out of the pool and barre work. Added plus? You can do all of these classes post-baby as well to keep your workout streak going strong. For more fitness spots, head on over to our roundup of New York City gyms with childcare, take a look at our favorite kid-friendly hikes in and near NYC, and our top NYC stroller hikes if you already have a kid in tow. And, although the past few years of the pandemic have been hard on exercise studios, a positive change has been the uptick in fitness providers now offering all kinds of virtual options, including on-demand classes and live online sessions. Whatever your prenatal fitness need is, an NYC studio will meet it!
Indoor cycling studio BYKlyn uses Silent Disco/Sound Off headphones for a fun, club-like atmosphere, and top instructors from studios throughout NYC each bring their own style and music to classes. All classes are Real Ride, with hills, speed work and intervals—just like a real bike ride. Pregnant riders are welcome, and can adjust the intensity of a ride as needed. Choose from 30 classes throughout the week.
Moms love: The inclusive and fun atmosphere. All levels and body types are welcome—you don't need to be a perfect pro to ride here.
Ballet Beautiful is a great workout to take advantage of stretches and targeted exercises inspired by classical ballet training. (Fans include Maggie Gyllenhaal and Tracee Ellis Ross.) Classes offered combine barre, mat, and light cardio, and are designed to help sculpt and tone your body. Ballet Beautiful's Soho studio is currently closed due to the pandemic, but there are lots of ways to access classes online: via purchasing individual workouts to stream, joining as a member for access to all trainings, or by booking a private individual or group class. Don't worry, no matter how you take a class, no tutu or previous dance training required!
Moms love: The targeted prenatal and postnatal workouts specifically designed for women preparing for and recovering from childbirth.
Created by a former marketing executive and mom-to-be when she found prenatal exercise options contradictory and lacking, Pronatal Fitness trains expecting moms for pregnancy, birth and motherhood like athletes prepping for a major sporting event. The online workouts are specifically designed to prep moms for the physical, and physiological, demands of all three wonderful, but challenging times. Pronatal Fitness also offers post-natal workouts (with or without baby) to help you get back into the swing of things. For those struggling with diastasis recti (or ab separation), new moms can have a consultation and receive an individualized program.
Moms love: The total body workout designed to help moms of all stages and postpartum workouts for recovery.
Moms-to-be can practice yoga postures, breathing exercises and enhance awareness of their ever-changing bodies at the Prenatal Yoga Center. Positions will strengthen pelvic muscles, improve circulation, and exercise the spine. Instructors at the Prenatal Yoga Center interweave childbirth education and therapeutic application for common aches and pains into specialized yoga classes. After baby arrives, post-natal classes address concerns and body changes, and new moms can bring babies along.
Moms love: Classes specifically-designed for the journey of pregnancy.
Want to preserve those long, lean gorgeous muscles throughout your pregnancy (or at least try to find them again)? Barre classes are some of the best workout classes for pregnant women due to the controlled movements and seamless modifications. PureBarre and Physique57 are two of the most popular barre workout studios, and both offer classes that combine light cardio, strength training and stretching to work your arms, thighs, seat and abs of during and after pregnancy.
Moms Love: These two studios offer barre classes that make us feel like we’re never taking the exact same class twice given their variety of instructors and class types. The moves allow for small bursts that fatigue muscles to exhaustion for ultimate toning. At Pure Barre, new moms can workout and bond with their newborn at the “Babies on Board” class, a fun, postnatal-friendly workout.
Compare notes with other expecting moms in the moderately- paced, 90-minute prenatal yoga class at Yoga Vida. Each class begins and ends with a restorative pose to connect with baby, relax the body, and de-stress the mind. But we promise it’s no nap fest! Basic yoga asana allows you to strengthen the body and increase stamina required for labor (kegels anyone?). After baby, check out their postnatal classes; babies 18 months and up are invited to join you for a 90-minute class designed to heal and rejuvenate the body following childbirth.
Moms Love: Pigeon pose: it opens the hips (making more room for baby) and stretches the back, butt and thigh muscles in all the right spots.
Lengthen muscles, loosen joints, and relieve muscle tension with Village Gyrotonic prenatal class. The studio is currently open for one-on-one sessions, and you can join live classes online. Gyrotonic improves overall flexibility by strengthening and stretching major muscle groups and joints while enhancing your range of motion, balance and coordination. Based on principles from yoga, tai chi, gymnastics, and dance, the exercises are performed on equipment designed to give the human body complete freedom of movement.
Moms love: Gyrotonic exercises help to create a strong, flexible, pelvic floor while strengthening and toning abdominal muscles, buttocks, hips and thighs.
Good news SoulCycle addicts: just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you need to stop tapping it back like a rock star. Assuming cycling has been a part of your life pre-pregnancy and you and your doctor agree it's okay, SoulCycle encourages riders to continue riding through pregnancy with personal adjustments taken when needed. While there are no set “prenatal” classes, regular Soul classes shouldn’t be an issue with your bump.
Moms love: It's a 45-minute dance party on a bike. What's not to love?
Exhale is a mom-to-be’s ideal destination for prenatal workouts. Specializing in barre, yoga, cardio and spa treatments, this inclusive facility is ready to make working out an awesome experience. If you’re already active in both barre and yoga classes, you are encouraged to take classes right up to the day you give birth if you like. Exhale's barre and yoga classes vary by intensity, and their dedication to guests’ health requires expecting moms to provide a note from their OBGYN before taking classes. While classes aren’t called out as prenatal, teachers are prepared to offer proper modifications throughout class to ensure a moms-to-be a great workout. Added plus? Exhale offers prenatal facials and massages (after the second trimester) to help guests relax and relieve stress.
Moms love: Scheduling back-to-back classes and spa treatment. What better way to motivate for a class than a spa treatment afterward? We’re in.
Shop small and support local women at these local businesses that are full of heart
March kicks off with International Women’s Day followed by Women’s History month making now the perfect time to show support to the hardworking women of our community. From cafes to coffee stores to cupcakeries, check out these women-owned businesses in the Bay Area and find ways to celebrate the super women in your life while you’re at it.
Kasa Indian Eatery Lawyer-turned-mom-turned-chef Anamika Khanna brings vibrant Indian flavors to the Bay Area with freshly ground spices and 24 hour marinated meat. With the belief that great food can be cheap and quick, Kasa specializes in delicious kati rolls, a sort of mini burrito that is a traditional Indian street food.
Lady Falcon Coffee Club Originating from Ocean Beach, this specialty coffee and tea company is led by Buffy Maguire and sells their gorgeously packaged beans from a charming vintage truck on the weekends at Alamo Park. We love both their beans and truck!
Alamo Square Park
Audrey Ma
Smitten Ice Cream When Founder and CEO Robyn Sue Fisher invented and patented her own ice cream machine in 2009, she placed her custom-built machine on top of a Radio Flyer wagon and began selling on the streets of San Francisco. Today, you can enjoy churned-to-order, ultra-smooth ice cream using locally sourced ingredients at 5 locations in the Bay Area for a unique freshness you can taste.
Three Babes Bakeshop With humble beginnings as a pop-up shop from a shipping container in the Mission, Three Babes Bakeshop quickly expanded to farmers markets and their own commercial kitchen. In addition to using local, organic ingredients they also offer a virtual pie class, ‘you bake’ chocolate chip cookie dough and a pie subscription service. Find their delicious treats at the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market on Saturdays or pickup orders at their bakeshop kitchen.
Bakeshop Kitchen 2501 Phelps St. San Francisco, CA Pre-order pickups & deliveries
Ferry Building Farmers Market San Francisco, CA Saturdays 8 a.m.-2 p.m. only
post.script. Owner Chandler Tang grew up in this neighborhood and opened this gift shop in what she hopes is a ray of sunlight in the community. post.script. is filled with an assortment of whimsical gifts and home goods all designed to bring joy and delight through their clean and modern designs.
2413 California Street San Francisco
Sprout San Francisco
Sprout San Francisco Inspired by her daughters, owner Suzanne opened Sprout San Francisco to help parents create a healthy home for little ones. With three locations in the Bay Area, this natural, organic boutique is on a mission to bring families the safest, non-toxic children’s products and their green collection includes everything from clothing to furniture.
FTK Martial Arts
FTK Martial Arts Teachers Liza Fernandez and Diandra Thompson are the owners at FTK, short for Fernandez Thompson Kenpo. They create a fun and engaging environment for students to learn self-defense, build confidence and improve discipline. Private and group lessons range in levels from preschool to adults with summer camp also available.
461 Cortland Ave. San Francisco
East Bay
Tara's Organic Ice Cream Using fresh herbs and ground spices for a truly unique taste, Tara’s organic, small-batch ice cream is honest, surprising and irresistible—try the black sesame or pink peppercorn!
3173 College Avenue Berkeley
Minnie Bell’s Comfort food at its best, Minnie Bell owner Fernay McPherson uses her family’s recipes in creating her legendary rosemary fried chicken that is all the rave in the East Bay. Find her stand at the Emeryville Public Market and don’t forget the corn bread!
Kaleidoscope Coffee Have you ever wanted coffee or wine and ice cream for the kids.. all at the same spot? This local community hang out, brought to life by owner, coffee lover and storyteller, Cassie Cushing, has it all and more and is the perfect place for the entire family to visit.
109 Park Place, Richmond
Homeroom Restaurant This local favorite was birthed from a craving and a dream of opening a unique restaurant. Erin Wade went from lawyer to mac and cheese extraordinaire, bringing you cheesy, made-to-order creations such as pizza mac, garden pesto mac, make it your own and more. Go give the gooey goodness a try.
400 40th St. Oakland
Homeroom To Go 4007 Webster St. Oakland
Taiwan Bento Everyone is familiar with Japanese and Chinese food... but what about Taiwanese food? With food and ingredients sourced from local farms, chef and co-owner Stacy Tang aims to introduce delicious Taiwanese snacks, bento meals and noodles to the East Bay and beyond. Their roasted chicken bento is a must-try along with the brown sugar milk tea!
When computer scientist Del Rodrigues decided to retire and put her passion for cooking and family recipes to good use, Brazilian Breads came to light. In addition to crunchy, chewy Brazilian cheese breads in guava (our favorite) and other yummy flavors, they serve flavorful traditional meals as well as frozen family take home meals.
5 Little Monkeys Owner Stephanie is the eldest of five little monkeys in her family. She created her environmentally conscience, hands-on, educational toy store with her younger siblings in mind. With her parent’s support—a renowned toy designer and children’s wear manufacturer, she started Five Little Monkeys in 2001. Bring your little monkeys to explore this fun store hands-on at one of their locations in the East Bay, Peninsula and Marin.
Patti's Swim School Founded by a mother of six with a passion for teaching and aquatics, over 40,000 students have been taught to swim in their outdoor-indoor, residential setting. They focus on water safety and essential skills offering adult swim, special needs and parent and me classes, in private and group lessons.
4621 James Ave. Castro Valley
Mightly
Mightly Mightly was started by a kiddo entrepreneur and her fashion savvy mom. Headquartered in Oakland, with their team of women-experts in the field, their online store offers durable, comfortable, environmentally friendly, organic clothes for kids by a kid.
Frost Cupcake Factory After Andrea Buswell was unexpectedly laid off from a corporate job, she took advantage of her creative passion and Frost Cupcake Factory was born. She appeared on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars and WON so you know her cupcakes are legit…don’t leave her store without at least a dozen cupcakes in tow.
1305 North Bascom Avenue Suite i, San Jose
Zareen's
Zareen’s Chef and owner Zareen Khan quit corporate life to bring contemporary Pakistani and Indian food to three locations across the Peninsula. With rave reviews and a cult-like following, you will find lines at any of the locations because the food is just that good. We love the chicken biryani with a mango lassi to wash it all down.
1 Oz Coffee In 2008, Yulia Kolchanova moved to the U.S. from Siberia with her husband and three sons, learned how to speak English and four years later, opened a coffee shop that crafts high quality espresso drinks, 1 ounce at a time.
650 Castro St, Suite 130 Mountain View
3051 Tasman Dr Santa Clara
Kjersti Nelson Running + Therapy A running coach, mental health therapist and yoga instructor, Kjersti can help you meet your running and fitness goals while also providing talk therapy. Online therapy and coaching is also available if that's more your cup of tea.
Tassels Run by three generations of ladies, Tassels have been dressing little ones in the Los Gatos area and beyond for 29 years. They specialize in sustainable, quality fashion and are famous for their custom design t-shirts and hair bows.
44 Elm St. Los Gatos
iStock
Bay Area Pet Pals Owner Lynda and her knowledgeable team bring you over 26 years of experience in caring for various pets. Services include dog walking, pet sitting and dog boarding in several areas of the Peninsula. They are licensed, bonded and insured and trained in pet first aid.
allARTstudio This art school is founder and art instructor Alla’s long-time dream and she created this studio to encourage and develop art creativity in children and adults. In addition to painting, portraits and figure drawing classes, they also offer mommy and me classes, workshops, summer camps and birthday parties.
1060 El Camino Real, Suite E Redwood City
Marin
Cowgirl Creamery College friends Sue Conley and Peggy Smith dreamt of sharing the craftsmanship and agricultural practices of organic farmers in Marin and Sonoma counties which led to Cowgirl Creamery. Their artisan cheeses are staple in many Bay area stores as they remain committed to their community and farmers.
Purple Monkey Owned by a Marin mom, Purple Monkey in Tiburon is a kiddo centered salon using natural products, with a team of experienced stylists. The salon is loaded with toys, movies and games, ready to cater to the littlest customers and their grown-ups. They're also an official sponsor of Locks of Love, handling the process, if you wished to donate your hair.
Is the nation’s leading pre and postnatal health and fitness company by moms for moms. They offer more than just fitness classes, providing mamas nationwide support and community as well as the opportunity to restart their careers as mompreneurs through their franchise opportunities. Check out one of their many work out programs with locations all around the Bay.
Performing Arts Academy of Marin PAAM specializes in theatre arts, tap, ballet, hip hop and other dance forms. Founder Annie and the stellar team of instructors provide expert training to build the confidence your young artists need to shine and offer in-person, virtual and summer camp programs.
Most days, we are researching activities to put our kids in. Dance class, soccer camp, gymnastics, karate, swimming, you name it. But what about us moms? Often we forget that we need some physical fitness during the week that does not include running after our toddler. A time dedicated to us, for us, with other moms that get us, uninterrupted by someone needing a snack. With the beautiful weather the Bay Area grants us on most days, there are some amazing fitness classes geared just for moms. Most offer free trial classes, so check out our picks below and sign up for a class. Why should our kids have all the fun?
Jane Austin Yoga Yoga does wonders for the body and mind, but as a new or pregnant mama, it can be life-changing. Jane Austin is a certified yoga teacher with years of experience and a pretty big following. Her pre-natal classes, pelvic floor awareness, and baby yoga classes are held at Yoga Flow in Noe Valley.
PowerPlay SF Offering in-person and virtual classes, PowerPlay in San Francisco makes it a point to meet you where you are in your fitness journey and help you get to where you want to be. With specialty classes for pre and post-natal, pilates, lift, and even classes for babies as young as 6 months old, PowerPlay is your one-stop shop for fitness.
Natural Resources With a variety of classes ranging from childbirth prep to lactation help and newborn 101, Natural Resources in San Francisco is a favorite among new parents. The three-week fitness series is catered to either pregnant mamas or to new parents. The pregnancy series focuses on breathwork and pelvic floor exercises while the post-natal series focuses on strength and toning. Classes are all outside and set to fun music with a super supportive group.
SRTT (She Runs This Town) If running is more your speed but want to join a group that understands the need to check on baby, stretch, or even stop and pump, this might be your group. With chapters all over the Bay Area including East Bay, all you need to do is join your local chapter, connect, and get ready for lots of mama talk on the pavement.
Momleta With locations in Walnut Creek, Alameda and Oakland, this mom-focused group teaches strength and cardio classes multiple times a week. We love the Baby Bootcamp class made for mamas of all levels. The class is taught in a HITT format and uses strollers and your own little one for a full-body workout. No babysitter is needed!
MissFit Bootcamp Emily is a certified NASM fitness instructor and mom of two toddlers, so she knows what it’s like to have limited time for herself. MissFit Bootcamp offers group classes in beautiful Hayward as well as personal training and an intense 8-week nutritional and fitness series. Check out the Sunday Funday HITT class!
Fit4Mom “Strength in Motherhood” is the tagline of this supportive group that is all about making time for you. From classes like Body Boost which will get your heart rate up to Stroller Strides for a full-body workout with baby in tow, you'll be having fun chatting with other mamas while getting a workout in. There is also an 8-week Body Wellness Program that is all about nutrition and fitness. Fit4Mom is an awesome way to get a workout in with mamas who get the challenges of breastfeeding, toddlers and everything in between.
KG Fitness While this gym isn’t just for mamas, KG Fitness is a small studio in San Mateo that has built a lovely community of women who are supportive and welcoming. With fun classes like DanceVibes, Ballroom, and JumpSport (working out on a trampoline!), you’re sure to find your mama tribe here. Classes start as early as 8 a.m and as late as 7 p.m to help fit in a class when you can.
Beyond The Push Fitness Whether you want to build muscle, increase flexibility, lose weight or just connect with other women, check out Beyond the Push Fitness. With in-person Mama Beast Bootcamp morning classes in Redwood City and San Mateo, you’ll feel better about making time for yourself and being a part of a community of women. In addition to fitness classes, they also do Moms Night Out and themed classes to make it fun. Worried about childcare? Kids are invited to participate too!
Groovitude If dance is more your jam, then check out Groovitude in Palo Alto. Located in the Cubberly Theatre, this small studio founded by two moms have built a fun, loving, and welcoming community for anyone that wants to dance. While there is no childcare, it’s really a time for mamas to connect with their love of dance. With contemporary, tap, hip hop, and jazz classes, this is one studio you’ll want to come back to week after week to learn more steps.
AVAC (Almaden Valley Athletic Center) A popular gym for South Bay parents, the Almaden Valley Athletic Center has a variety of fitness classes, a substantial pool, childcare, and camps for little ones. We love the AbsoluteFit program for all an-around small group (10:1) training for moms and dads that also includes childcare.
FitMamaStrong A boot camp made for mamas, FitMamaStrong in San Jose offers classes in a supportive and positive environment no matter where you are in your fitness journey. Babies are invited in strollers for class while mamas can enjoy some adult conversation. The best part is that 10% of all monthly profits go to the Heritage House in San Jose to support pregnant mamas overcoming hardships.
Dailey Method If yoga, pilates, and barre are more your thing, check out the Dailey Method. The Corte Madera location holds classes in the studio as well as online. One of the perks is the childcare option that can be added so there is no need to book a babysitter when you want to work out!
Bay Club Marin For a variety of fitness classes ranging from dance to yoga to HITT, the Bay Club is a membership well worth it. With the after-school programs, kids camps, and childcare available for members, you can rest assured the kids are taken care of while you get your sweat on. We especially love the heated pools for recreational swimming or lessons for all levels.
Getting to a gym isn’t exactly easy for busy parents, but the good news is that it’s easy to break a sweat at home. Whether you want to lunge your way through laundry duty or do Zumba between Zoom calls, there’s always a time and place for exercise (Hello, life hacks!). We’ve got all the best at-home workouts and fitness tips below.
Take Advantage of Free At-Home Workouts
Peloton
You don't need a gym to get a great, instructor-led workout. Big-name companies like Planet Fitness and Nike and smaller gyms (try your local faves) offer free at-home workouts online. Here are a few good ones to try:
Peloton Family Fitness Classes: 10 episodes of free family-friendly programming—from meditation to cardio. Classes are appropriate for ages 5-15, and you don't have to have a Peloton bike or treadmill to participate in. Read more about it here. Peloton is also offering a free 90-day trial of its complete workout app (which is normally $13 a month), which has classes such as yoga, strength, meditation, cardio and Bootcamp, as well as the traditional indoor cycling classes.
Planet Fitness Live Stream Fitness "Work-Ins": Live streamed workout classes taught by Planet Fitness and celebrity guest trainers. Streams run every day at 7 p.m. ET. Find out more at Planetfitness.com.
Nike Training Club: Free 15, 30 and 45-minute workouts designed by Nike trainers. The training session uses simple GIFs to demonstrate each exercise, and the app has everything from bodyweight-only sessions and yoga to targeted training programs. Find out more at Nike.com
305 Fitness: If you're looking for a good dance or Zumba workout, this dance cardio studio is offering free 10- to 45-minute classes on its YouTube page.
Use Your Alexa for At-Home Workouts
Amazon
What, you didn't know that besides playing music and offering endless entertainment for your kids, Alexa can also make a pretty good partner during at-home workouts? Try one of these Alexa-enabled skills to break a sweat at home:
Seven-Minute Workout - Just say, "Alexa, play the 7-Minute Workout" and you'll get a full-body workout in less than the time it takes for your kids to get dressed in the morning.
Five-Minute Workout - Seven minutes too much for you? How about five? This quickie makes for a good "get moving" push when you or your kids have been sitting for too long. Say, "Alexa: Enable Five Minute Workout."
Five-Minute Plank Workout - Even with varied types of planks offered in this Alexa skill, five minutes will feel like a long time. But it's worth it! Just say, "Alexa: Enable Plank Workout."
Fitness 30 - You pick what time of workout you want (chest, cardio, abs or yoga) and then Alexa will call out a workout move for you to do while she counts down 25 seconds. Then you get a five-second rest before starting with a different move. Your workouts can be as long or short as you want them (with a 30-second minimum, of course). Just say "Alexa: Enable Fitness 30."
Easy Yoga - You don't have to be a practiced yogi to master some of the moves Alexa will throw at you in this 15-20 minute routine. Just choose between a morning, evening or energizing routine and Alexa will guide you through it. Just say: "Alexa: Enable Easy Yoga."
Six-Minute Full Body Stretch - Keep your joints limber with this quick and easy stretching tutorial. Alexa will guide you through stretching out six body groups and help you hold the stretch for the required amount of time. Say, "Alexa: Enable Six-Minute Full Body Stretch."
Don't have time to plank, squat and jump your way through a 45-minute at-home workout video? No problem! You can get that same 45 minutes of exercise throughout the day by planking, squatting and jumping at unexpected times. For instance:
Do planks while cleaning the house. If you do them on the floor, it may just motivate you to sweep, vacuum or mop more often!
Get in a few leg lifts and or calf raises throughout your day when you’re standing at your desk, brushing your teeth or making the kids' lunch. We know you’re no stranger to multi-tasking.
Do lunges or wall sits while you brush your teeth
Every time you go to the bathroom or wash your hands, use the sink to do 10 pushups
What kid doesn't like to dance? Grab your tiny dance partner and get your groove on. Studies show dancing melts away stress—and it's a great at-home workout. Win-win!
Play!
iStock
There's a reason kids don't get tired of playing—because it's fun! So make like a kid and play! And, if you want to know the nitty-gritty rewards of a good play session, here's how many calories the average person can burn just having fun with the littles:
Marco Polo in the pool - 200 calories
Playground Games - 186 calories (hopscotch, 4-square, t-ball, etc.)
Wear wrist or ankle weights as you go about your daily routine and cleaning (you can get them on Amazon for less than $20). Don't want to buy weights? Studies show just carrying your baby—in a sling or carrier—while you're walking helps you burn about double the calories as from walking alone.
If you’ve got weeds to pull—instead of bending over, use this as an opportunity to do squats. You can do the same when picking up toys. Feel the burn. According to Harvard University researchers, gardening and weeding burn up to 400 calories per hour! But that's not all: Digging, planting, mowing the lawn and raking are all workouts, too, burning at least 120 calories for a 30-minute session.
OK, so this one's no fun, but did you know deep-cleaning has some serious calorie-burning benefits? According to this chart published by Harvard Medical Center, heavy cleaning—including washing your car—burns up to 400 calories per hour. Think about that the next time you're peeved to pick up the toys for the fifteenth time in a day.
Write out different physical challenges on flashcards (think: crab walk, jumping jacks, downward dog) and have the whole family participate. Need some get-moving ideas the kids will love? Here are a few suggestions.
Need an excellent upper body workout? If you've got a kid under the age of two, just lift her high up into the air 10 times, and you're sure to feel the burn. Better yet, throw her into the air and catch her (carefully, please!). With guaranteed orders of "more! more!" toddlers actually make pretty good trainers.
Got a super-little one? Besides the simple act of carrying your bundle of joy around all day long, baby mamas can also get a whole-body workout with these fun mom & baby workout routines.
If you haven’t already ditched your gym membership, this list of the best at-home workouts might have you doing just that! With kids at home, finding the time to work out can be a challenge. That’s why working out from the convenience of your own home is the way to go! From Pilates to P90X and everything in between, these (often) free online workout programs will save you the drive to the gym and get you moving towards your fitness goals.
The Sculpt Society's mission to empower women through movement and love their bodies is just one reason to jump into their online program. And when we say "jump," we mean dance! A hallmark offering is their 30-minute Dance Cardio class, but they also offer Yoga and other low-impact classes. You can choose from over 400 live and on-demand classes or choose from a curated collection complete with a flexible guided calendar to keep you on track.
Good to know: An annual membership is $180 after a free 7-day trial. Monthly payment options are also available.
Best for: Anyone who wants to get feel good and get fit while having fun!
From live, instructor-led classes to on-demand workouts, Openfit allows you to stream directly to your phone, laptop, tablet or desktop with structured, daily workouts to fit any lifestyle and fitness level. In-app features also include meal planning and tracking making it a one-stop-shop for achieving fitness goals. Watch for upcoming monthly challenges geared toward busy moms.
Good to know: If you want to check out Openfit before committing to a subscription, you can sign up for a free 14-day trial here!
Recommended by health professionals and moms, Studio Bloom and the Bloom Method is ideal for pregnant women and their post-natal recovery period. Safe and heart-thumping workouts are plentiful, including classes like Cardioprep, prenatal stretching, birth prep, CardioHIIT, CoreHab, CoreFIX and many more––all from the comfort of your own home. And we especially love that they have a dedicated, private Facebook group where you can connect with other moms and get your questions answered by coaches!
Best for: Moms of any stage in life who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Stealth is a clever product that targets 29 muscle groups in three minutes while playing video games! The free app comes with two free games (Glider, a flying game and Galaxy Adventure, a target-blasting space game), and you can upgrade to premium to get more games. We found the two free ones to suffice since you're only doing it for three minutes at a time, and any gravity-controlled game works. Once you've got your games on your device, place the phone in the recessed opening, put yourself in the plank pose and hit play. Now use the Stealth to move up, down and side to side. Games last three minutes, can you?
Good to know: Right now, Stealth is on sale for $99.
Best for: Anyone who wants to work out their core in just three minutes a day!
This online community brings programs from your local YMCA straight to your favorite device. There are live stream and on-demand classes for the entire family, including sports and yoga for the kids! Find out if your branch is participating by entering your zip code here.
With approximately 5000 on-demand workout videos ranging from mat Pilates to reformer and even Barre fusion, there's a class for anyone, anytime! And their custom filters help you find the right workout in just a couple of minutes.
Good to Know: There's a 15-day free trial, then access to the app and website costs $18 per month.
Best for: People looking to strengthen and tone with low-impact workouts.
What's cool about Obé is that they have both live and replay classes (over 4,000!) that are just 28 minutes long and are structured across three pillars: Define, Sweat and Flow. There's also the option to take a 10-minute Express class, which is especially great if you're short on time. In the Sweat category, you'll find dance classes, HIIT, cardio boxing and more. Define classes include Pilates and Barre, and their Flow classes are all about Yoga and stretch. There are three different levels of classes, depending on your fitness level, with tailored programs for all your exercise needs.
Good to know: Obé has two deals at the moment: 2 months for $2 or sign up for a free 7-day trial and then $19 per month after it ends.
Glo is an online yoga, meditation, Pilates and fitness platform that features thousands of professionally-filmed, on-demand classes taught by world-class teachers as well as an interactive community for conversations about health and self-care. Each workout is filmed in an actual studio, and the vibe filters right into to your workout. Each time you log on you’ll be quizzed about your state of mind and what you want out of the workout (Feeling calm? Feeling energized?). Workouts range from five to 120 minutes, and with more than 3,800 videos, your choices are endless. There are options for everyone—beginners, runners and travelers are just a few (There are plenty of classes for expectant mothers and families, too.).
Good to know: You can start working out with Glo today when you sign up for a 7-day free trial. Memberships are as low as $13.50 a month when you pay annually.
Lift for Life's 36-week program is perfect for both pre and post-natal moms. The three times a week, 30-minute workouts are designed to for busy parenting schedules and cover lower, upper and full-body options. The instant download offers over 200 pages of content and a full glossary of exercise, giving you the confidence that usually only comes with a personal trainer at your side.
Good to know: $69.99 for the entire program
Best for: Moms at any stage, even pre-and post-natal!
Serious about your health and fitness goals? Trainiac offers online personal training from start to finish. Complete your intake, pick a trainer, then get your own personal workout program designed by certified trainers. The online platform offers flexibility to meet your busy schedule, with the personal touch of a trainer who has your goals in mind.
Best for: People who are serious about getting fit and want one-on-one accountability and training.
Peloton has long been known for its impressive stationary bike with accompanying on-demand videos that guarantee a great workout. Now the exercise company brings you outdoor, yoga, meditation, strength training, cycling, running and toning options via the Peloton app. Get the full, live studio experience without leaving your home when you use the app on your television, phone or tablet.
Good to know: Snag a free 30-day trial membership here. And no, you don't have to own the bike to participate!
Best For: People who love the feeling of a group workout but can't get to the gym.
Get the workout you want, when you want it with Studio SWEAT onDemand. Access workouts on your computer, smart device, smart TV, Amazon FireTV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Google TV, Playstation, 4Roku, Xbox One (basically any device!) and through the Studio Sweat onDemand app.
Good to know: A year-long all-access pass is $188 per month after a 7-day free trial.
When you join Mindful Movement with Maggie, you get much more than a workout. The platform's at-home 30-minute workouts require no equipment (besides a yoga mat) and focus on low-impact and body-positive exercises for the whole family. Subscribers get weekly tutorials and newsletters, a playlist and access to a private Facebook group to connect with other users. And we absolutely love their motto: All ages. All sizes. All abilities. All bodies.
Good to know: After your 14-day free trial, unlimited access is only $21 per month. We think that's pretty good for the whole family!
V Shred's online fitness programs and customized diet plans are perfect for busy parents who don't know exactly where to start. Users can purchase individual video plans that include workouts for fat loss, toning and six-packs, in addition to a recipe guide and custom training and diet programs. If you join V Shred University, you'll also get a new diet and workout plan every month and access to nutrition and supplement tutorials.
Best for: Busy parents who want a holistic approach to fitness.
Naturally Sassy's Ballet Blast, Monthly Workout and Stretching Programs are just what former (or aspiring!) dancers crave. Joining the online platform provides access to their app, diet guidelines, skill videos, new workouts each week and fresh monthly workouts.
Good to know: Annual memberships are about $9 per month when you pay annually. And, yes, there is a free trial of 14 days!
Best for: People who love dance and desire the lean lines of ballet dancers
Every Mother offers easy-to-follow workout routines ideal for all stages of motherhood: pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Whether you are trying to keep active during pregnancy, strengthen your core after childbirth or it's been years since you've exercised, this gentle program is as advertised: for every mother! You start with a simple self-diagnosis technique to determine which program is best for you and then proceed to do short sequences each day (typically 7 or 8 minutes) along with a 20-minute workout. The program has also been scientifically proven to resolve diastasis recti, something difficult to find in the world of postpartum workouts.
Best for: Any mother, no matter the stage of motherhood.
If you like the camaraderie (and accountability) of group workouts but time or money make it tricky, FitOn is the app for you. While the app offers a ton of awesome on-demand workouts from world-class trainers, there's also a unique feature that allows you to "join" a class at a specific time. There's even a social component that allows you to interact with friends inside and outside class. But what we like the most is Maddy Curley's FitMama program which helps you get fit post-baby. You won't need any special equipment, and since it's an app, you can download it right to your phone.
Best for: People who like group fitness but can't get to the gym; moms looking to workout post-baby or even with the kids. Anyone!!!
If you’d like to try yoga without the mediational music, Bulldog Yoga is ideal! There’s a wide variety of classes, from hour-long to 20-minute “bulldog bites” that you can fit into any schedule or budget. How is it different from a traditional online yoga program? Each video features yogis from all walks of life at all different skill levels, and each one is accompanied by an energetic, heart-pumping playlist. Some of the online classes start as low as 40 cents a day!
Good to know: Bulldog Yoga has an awesome 30-day trial. After that, the cost is $12.99 when paid monthly.
Best for: People who want an energetic yoga workout.
A team of experts designed Barre3's signature moves to give students a strong and balanced body. Anyone can do Barre3—a mix of yoga, Pilates, cardio and weight training—and instructors encourage their students to adapt the moves to their own needs in order to develop body awareness. You can choose from over 300 different videos (new ones are added every week) that vary from 10- to 60-minutes, get real-time support from instructors, connect with wellness experts, and utilize their new goal planner—schedule workouts, set weekly goals and even set text reminders!
Good to know: Monthly memberships are $29 per month after your 14-day trial ends.
Best dor: People who want to increase strength and balance.
Physique 57 uses a method called Interval Overload—a combo of body resistance moves that target the abs, glutes, thighs and arms. Each workout focuses on strength training, cardio and restorative workouts; there’s minimal equipment needed for the 40+ online videos, and the intensity of the workouts means quick results. There are 10, 15 and 30-minute (and longer) videos available so you can design your workout playlist to fit your needs and daily schedule. There are also two, four, eight and 12-week programs and different themed programs like Best Beach Body, Two Weeks to Hard Core, Lost 10 in 10 and more.
Good to know: After your 7-day free trial, memberships are $25 when paid monthly.
Grokker is a wellness social network. It’s designed for companies who want to encourage wellness among employees and individuals who want to e-meet other like-minded folks on the same journey. There are over 4,000 videos and 70 programs. Choose from popular fitness options like HIIT and Pilates, and access over 130 trainers who guide users in healthy exercise, mindfulness, nutrition, and even sleeping habits. You can find family-friendly recipes, compete against other users and get support—like you’ve got your own virtual trainer!
Good to know: Want to give Grokker a try? You can start with a free 14-day trial!
Best for: Anyone who wants to make healthy living the norm.
When you sign up for Daily Burn, you’ll be joining a supportive online community with an impressive collection of workouts designed and taught by seven top-notch fitness gurus. Every morning you can catch a new workout via live stream (available for 24-hours after), or you can opt to try one of the numerous archived videos. There are 20-plus programs, including dance, high-intensity cardio, strength training and more. The service also offers personalized workout plans. Daily Burn is compatible with a range of devices and streaming services, including Apple TV, Roku, Android and iPad, which makes it easy to work out anytime, anywhere.
Good to know: Daily Burn offers a generous 30-day trial for those looking to give it a try!
Best for: People who need a little extra motivation.
Ballet Beautiful was created by professional ballerina and celebrity trainer Mary Helen Bowers. Opt to tone your bottom half, tighten up your abs and arms or power your way through a full-body workout. You have the option of streaming individual videos (nutcracker workout bundle, supermodel, Ballet Beautiful stretch bundle) or choosing the custom workout plan (unlimited access, two new videos a month, personalized workouts), which has a monthly fee. There’s even a pre-natal option for expectant mamas.
Good to know:Videos range from $9.99 to $49.99 for a bundle or $39.99 per month for a subscription.
BodyLove Pilates was created by a pre-and post-natal pilates guru as she was going through her pregnancy. The workouts are tailored to various stages of pregnancy, and the services have specialized workouts for different needs: what muscles you want to target, any pain you may be feeling, how much time you have, and more. For $25 a month, members get access to a rapidly growing library of 200+ workouts, a step-by-step catalog of Pilates mat exercises (over 100!), detailed anatomical info on what happens in the pre-and post-natal stages, the Postnatal After Birth Training Program and a blog filled with handy tips to get you through each trimester.
There are so many offerings from Booya Fitness that the chances you’ll get bored are slim. There are over 100 boutique classes, different workout plans (clean eating challenge, busy mom workout plan, post-baby bounce back and more), and a blog with tons of healthy living tips. You’ll even get reminder emails to keep you motivated and on the right track.
Good to know: You can opt for a monthly subscription or unlock over 50 workout plans for as low as $2.99.
iBodyFit is ideal for people who need a little structure in their workout. Designed by fitness guru Franklin Antoian, there are three basic options: Fat Burner Plan, Bundle Plan, and Premium Plan. Each one is designed by Franklin, has different fitness goals, and requires just basic equipment. A new addition to the personal trainer programs means that members can now Skype with trainers, nutritionists and even set up a Q&A with a personal trainer.
Best for: People who want an organized workout plan.
Beachbody workouts are available every day, all day! From PiYo to P90X, these on-demand programs offer something for everyone, even those looking for the most challenging workouts like Insanity on-demand. You'll have streaming access to over 600 different videos in addition to healthy-eating plans offered with your membership. Simply download the app and get the whole family moving!
Best for: People who are interested in meal planning as well as workouts. Family-friendly options are available.
No time to hit the gym with the kids out of school for the summer? No problem! We’ve got a full-body workout at the playground. From park-bench dips to swing planks, there’s nothing like working out at the playground with the kids right in your line of sight! All moves can be modified to fit your fitness level, mama, and best of all, it’s free! Read on for our expert tips.
Plan the Workout
Colby Lindeman
Before lacing up and hitting the playground, it’s important to prep your workout. We asked Colby Lindeman, mom of two, physical trainer, and owner of Fit by Nature SLO, how long and how many circuits will do the trick. Check out her tips and a few favorite moves below.
Intervals are awesome because they work for any level of fitness—from beginners to pros. For beginners, opt for 30 seconds of work and 15 seconds rest, then either jump to the next exercise or repeat before moving on. If a challenge is needed, ramp it up to 45 seconds of work and 15 seconds rest. For a super-charged workout, try the Super Setting: alternate between two exercises, two times each for 45 seconds work, 15 seconds rest. Complete the full circuit two or three times depending on fitness level.
One of the coolest things about a playground circuit is the ability to mix it up and change the sequence whenever you need a challenge. Feel like doing more sprints? Go for it! Too many kids on the slide? Focus on your upper body instead! The flexibility is perfect for parents. The moves below can be arranged in any way, on any day.
Rope Climb: Biceps, Shoulders, Quads, Core
Stella Spagnello
Rope climbing is super popular in CrossFit; it really is a total body workout. If you see one, take the opportunity to climb up, jump down, climb up, and jump down for the interval time. This also works with a climbing bar, which you’ll find at most playgrounds.
Playground Kicks: Glutes Lift
Sonia Gandiaga
Start on a tabletop position and then lift one leg up at a ninety-degree angle, kick it up 20 times, and then alternate the other leg. For extra added difficulty, extend the opposite arm and work that balance and core strength!
Park Bench Dips: Triceps
Gabby Cullen
This move is a classic because it’s effective and can be done just about anywhere. Face outwards from the bench while keeping your knees at a 90-degree angle and arms straight; dip down until arms are parallel to the ground, then return to the starting position keeping your back straight and core tight; repeat for the allotted interval.
Bench Step-Ups: Cardio Blast
Sonia Gandiaga
Alternate legs as you climb up and down a bench. Continue moving along the bench as you alternate the climbs, and when you reach the end move along the opposite way.
Monkey Bar Crunch: Abs and Arms
Stacey Blackstone
Not only will you be using major upper-body strength hanging on the monkey bars, but your midriff will get in on the action too. After pulling your legs up from the ground, use your abs to bring your knees as close to your chest as possible before lowering your legs to slightly touch the ground. Lift and lower for the entire workout interval.
Swing Planks (optional alternating legs): Core
Sonia Gandiaga
There are several ways to do a swing plank. One option is to rest forearms on the swing with legs stretched out in a V, which provides more stability. Another option is to have legs in the swing seat, arms out on the ground in a pushup position, which allows for swing pikes and other core moves. A final, more challenging option is to keep arms in the swing seat and legs as straight as possible in the plank position for the entire interval. To add a little extra challenge, alternate legs as you keep the plank position and your core engaged.
Slide Climb: Biceps, Shoulders, Quads, Hamstrings
Stacey Blackstone
This move is best left for an early morning visit to the park when there aren’t a lot of little kids around! Firmly grab the side of the slide, then step by step, climb up to the top; this helps build agility as well as gives the shoulders, thighs, and core a great workout.
Playground Side Plank: Core, Glutes
Sonia Gandiaga
Another super effective move to work your core muscles is the side plank. You can start with your right knee down, right forearm on the floor and left arm extended towards the sky and hold for 15-20 seconds (and then the opposite arm and leg). When you are ready to lift both legs, you can stack the ankles, or if it’s a little easier you can also try to move your top foot in front of the back like in the picture above.
Playground Push-Ups: Chest, Shoulders, Triceps
Gabby Cullen
Start with arms out, keeping the body straight and weight on your toes, then bend elbows until your arms have hit a 90-degree angle, and then return to starting position. Repeat until the rest period.
Slide Lunges: Quads, Glutes
Stella Spagnello
Start with one foot balanced at the bottom of the slide. Place hands on your hips and bend your front leg until your knee has reached a 90-degree angle (don’t let knee stick out past toes), then slowly straighten your leg and return to starting position; continue movement until rest period. This move is great for your backside and legs, but be sure to keep an eye out for kiddos wanting to take their turn on the equipment.
Playground Wide Lunges: Quads, Glutes & Abs
Sonia Gandiaga
Wide lunges are great to build up core strength, and at the same time work out your quads and glutes. There are many variations like stepping on your tippy-toes as you move up and down or moving sideways to add some cardio and extra sweat to the routine (and make the most out of your time).
Park Perimeter Sprints: Cardio Burst
Gabby Cullen
This move is an easy cardio burst that’ll boost calorie burn. Simply sprint around the perimeter of the playground or to a designated spot and back for the duration of the interval.
Monkey Bar Legs Up & Down: Core Super Burn
Sonia Gandiaga
Grab onto the monkey bars and lift your legs to a 90-degree angle. Then move both legs at the same time down and back up again or alternate legs and even add a little twist to strengthen the side of your abs. It’s harder than it looks!
Swinging Criss Cross: Core
Sit on the swing, then lean back to a 45-degree angle. With your legs tight and toes pointed open legs to a V position, then criss-cross back and forth, calf over calf, while attempting to keep the swing as still as possible.
Get the kids up and active. Peloton is launching on-demand family content to keep the kids entertained while they are stuck in the house. This family friendly programming will include 10 episodes across meditation and cardio, with classes appropriate for ages 5-15.
The new content series consists of:
Fit Family Brain Breaks with Jess Sims: A great way to quickly get your kids up and moving with Sims, a former school principal turned Peloton Instructor. From family FREEZE! set to lively music to imaginary trips to the zoo, these active breaks are a fun way to reset and refresh.
Fit Family Fun Classes with Jess Sims: An educational, full-body workout that incorporates cardio and strength training
Family Meditation with yoga instructors: Designed for all levels and ages, these classes are perfect whether you want to meditate together or alone. Classes will be led by Adidi Shah, Anna Greenberg, Ross Rayburn and Kristin McGee, herself a mother of three.
Classes will range from 5 to 20 minutes, making any of these indoor activity breaks the perfect way to promote physical, mental and emotional health.
Recent research from The Genius of Play shows that parents spend almost as much one-on-one time with their devices as they do with their kids, but staying inside when the cold weather hits should never be an excuse for more screen time and less activity.
Getting everyone off the couch and interacting isn’t just essential for kids’ physical well-being but for everyone’s sanity. So, put down your devices and get inspired by these cold-weather activities that families can do together any snowy season:
Use What You’ve Got. Those couch cushions are made for a lot more than just sitting. It doesn’t take much to inspire kids’ imaginations so grab some of the kid-safe items around your home—couch cushions, pillows, boxes, and more—and create your own indoor obstacle course or play classic pretend games like “the floor is lava” (jumping from cushion to cushion to avoid the lava) to use up some of your kids’ pent-up energy. You can also work together to make snowmen out of alternative materials or build the coziest blanket/pillow fort ever. All these activities allow kids to explore their creativity, whether it’s by customizing an ultimate oasis that fits their needs—from tea parties to reading nooks and beyond—or making a snowman out of cookies for an added tasty treat.
Host Your Own Winter Games. No, we don’t mean the Olympics—we mean the perfect winter board games. Chances are you already have a few fan-favorite options to choose from. Games are an activity the whole family can play together to beat winter boredom while aiding the development of critical cognitive, social, and motor skills in the process such as problem-solving. Classic games that offer easy, no-fuss play can range from skill-and-action games like Jenga to card games like Uno, which can help kids practice matching and identifying colors and numbers. At the same time, these types of activities help enhance the bonds within families and benefit adults as well, such as reducing the stress of being cooped up indoors for a few days.
Get Outside. Yes, it might be cold. Yes, it might be an event simply getting kids in all their winter gear. But getting outdoors in winter can present plenty of fun adventures for kids. Much of what kids learn about their world begins with play, and snow serves multiple play benefits. It encourages kids to explore their world through new snow-covered glasses and experience and master new activities such as skiing their first bunny slope, ice skating on the town pond, riding a sled, or building a snowman. Snow certainly offers a full-body workout for kids, but it can also be an equally great source for quiet sensory play.
It’s easy to feel a bit jaded about winter weather as an adult. It’s cold, it’s dark—we get it. But don’t forget, something as simple as a snowy walk with your child or making cups of marshmallow-filled hot cocoa together can offer moments of pure magic for everyone.
Anna Yudina is the Director of Marketing Initiatives for The Toy Association™, a not-for-profit trade association that represents toy companies. Currently, she’s spearheading The Genius of Play™, a parent-focused movement raising awareness of play as a crucial part of child development and encouraging families to make time for play daily.
Our fellow parents are deep in the trenches of Spring Break or preparing for it in the next week. While the time off school is only five days, it’s a good reminder of the summer fun that awaits! While you gear up for more time with the kiddos, keep scrolling to see our roundup of funny tweets from the week.
Captains Log: Spring Break Day 2 •It’s only Tuesday, but it feels like Thursday •Friends brought over special beer last night. Too tired to drink any •3 yo slept until 5:50, feel like a million bucks •Let the kids paint. Not sure why I torture myself like this
It's so annoying how movies make certain aspects of parenthood seem so magical. Like when an actor carries a sleeping child to their bed, it looks so sweet and easy instead of the torturous, back-breaking, full body workout it really is.
