Known for being enthusiastic and cool, babies with a November birthday also have some serious star power
If you know a few nonagenarians whose birthdays are in November, it might not be a coincidence. According to research, being born in November may well mean having a longer lifespan, among other unique traits. Sure, babies born in August are known for their positive attitudes, babies born in September are said to have strong bones, and babies born in October might be just a little bit taller. But people with November birthdays? Well, they stand out from the crowd, and we’d like to tell how.
They Have Some of the Rarest Birthdays
Turns out, November is one of the most uncommon months to be born. In fact, according to this handy chart compiled using data from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics and the U.S. Social Security Administration, six of the rarest birthdays of the year, including Thanksgiving Day, are in November.
Not everyone can make the first string, but there are fewer bench warmers among this bunch. According to a study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, kids with a November birthday are often fitter and stronger than those born in other months when measured for cardiorespiratory fitness, handgrip strength, and lower-body power. There's a clear physical advantage for those born in fall, researchers indicated, while also using this information to explain some bias in sports selection, particularly those leagues and schools with September age cut-off.
They're Strong at Heart
While heart disease is an unfortunately common ailment, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association found that those born in November are least likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. A look at 10 cardiovascular conditions showed that people born in autumn are more protected than those born in winter.
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They Lead Longer Lives
It’s pretty rare to live to be 100. Less than 1 percent of all Americans will make it to a full century, but if you’re born in November, chances are better that you’ll be among the few. Researchers from the University of Chicago found that babies born from September to November are more likely to become centenarians (or 100-year-olds) than those born in any other month. Being female, having good genetics, and a higher socioeconomic status can also help get you into the 100-plus birthday club.
Left-handers make up just 10 percent of the population, but if you have a November birthday, you may well be one of them. More specifically, boys born during November are more likely to be lucky lefties, according to research published in Cortex journal. Scientists suspect this may be tied to pregnant women's early exposure to sunlight, which can increase testosterone levels and result in left-handedness.
They’re A-Listers
Just about every month has a few birthday claims to fame, but none quite as stellar as November. Celebrities born in November include Leonardo DiCaprio, Scarlett Johansson, Martin Scorsese, Jodie Foster, and Ryan Gosling. It’s pretty clear that November babies are destined to be among the accomplished award-winners.
If you or your child has a November birthday, that means you or they are either a Scorpio (birthdays through Nov. 21) or a Sagittarius (Nov. 22 on). The ever-passionate Scorpio is known for being intuitive, brave, and hard-working, while fun-loving Sagittarius kids are recognized for their honesty, enthusiasm, and spontaneity. So, what does that mean? It means that if you're born in November, you must have a pretty great personality!
They Are Cool as Cucumbers
November babies have two birthstones: the topaz, which symbolizes calmness, and the citrine, also known for its tranquil energy. The stones both signify the serene, as well as prosperity, fortune and joy. No wonder people born in November are so cool! And both of these beautiful birthstones are more affordable than others, making a jewelry-related gift for people with November birthdays a bigger and better possibility.
Giving birth is a workout in itself—it’s one of the most intense physical challenges a person will ever experience, which deserves more than a little rest and relaxation. But when you feel ready to get back into your fitness routine (and you get the green light from your doctor), you can jump in with these 10 free online workouts to help your post-baby body feel good. There’s something here for everybody, and every body, from gentle beginner workouts to challenging calorie burns!
What it is: No equipment needed for this 20-minute workout in which you use your body weight to your advantage. Larie leads you through various sets of lunges and pulses that keep your core firm and will make you feel the burn.
Why you’ll love it: This is a great option for that very first post-birth foray into exercise because it’s quick and you can modify every move by going deeper or staying higher. Squeeze this into your day during naptime, even micro-naps! And Larie is chatty, which keeps you focused yet also somehow distracted from all that thigh-shaking.
What it is: Full of movements that focus on the midsection, this short video shows postnatal mamas how to start getting their abs back in shape by targeting the deep abdominal muscles. These aren’t your traditional ab exercises, but instead a slow reintroduction to the core muscle connections.
Why you’ll love it: The exercises are broken up by lots of restorative stretching, and if you feel like you want to challenge yourself more, do the video again.
What it is: A chance to spend 20 minutes with your baby with plenty of stretching and yoga poses for you. You may not break a sweat, but you’ll be engaging all sorts of muscles and connecting with your little one face-to-face. Great for babies who aren’t yet mobile.
Why you’ll love it: You get the effect of being in a mommy & me yoga class without having to deal with leaving the house.
What it is: If you didn’t exercise during pregnancy and are just getting back into the swing of things after baby, you may have to work up to this 30-minute yoga instruction. It’s a basic flow routine with balance and core work.
Why you’ll love it: The voiceover instruction is calming, as is the music. And Sara Beth encourages pushing yourself through individual challenges.
What it is: A 15-minute baby-wearing workout full of smooth, controlled movements. You’ll do plenty of squats, lunges, and low-impact exercises that are safe to perform with a baby strapped to your chest.
Why you’ll love it: The movement will probably put your baby right to sleep!
What it is: Easy, breezy exercises to shape and tone on a daily basis. You’ll spend 17 minutes doing 14 different exercises and stretches, 12 reps each, mostly lying down.
Why you’ll love it: It’s a great way to decompress and relax before sleep, especially if you’re not sleeping through the night yet.
You can even find classic musicals on this list of Netflix movie codes
Between original content and new seasons of kids’ shows and movies that seem to debut daily, it can be hard to wade through it all to find what you really want to watch—especially when the platform doesn’t make it especially easy to search by specific categories. If you need a little help finding the good stuff, these secret Netflix movie codes are about to make your life a whole lot easier. Read on for more!
So, how do you use these Netflix movie codes? To get started, simply copy and paste this URL into your browser bar: www.netflix.com/browse/genre/CODE Just replace “CODE” with one of the numerical codes from the list below to view all the titles in the category you want.
Here are some of the helpful Netflix sub-genre codes just for kids and family content:
Kid & Family Movies
Children & Family Movies (783)
Children & Family Movies based on real-life (4927)
Children & Family Movies from the 1980s (1951)
Exciting Children & Family Movies (2381)
Family Features (51056)
Feel-good Children & Family Movies (4505)
Feel-good Children & Family Movies from the 1980s (4355)
Goofy Children & Family Movies (355)
Biographical Children & Family Movies (2478)
Sentimental Children & Family Movies (4942)
Sports Children & Family Movies (453)
Visually-Striking Imaginative Children & Family Movies (2480)
British Children & Family Movies (2473)
Movies Based on Literature
Comic Book and Superhero Movies (10118)
Imaginative movies based on children’s books (2253)
Movies based on children’s books (10056)
Dramas based on children’s books (1129)
Sentimental Movies based on children’s books (3869)
Anime
Comedy Anime (9302)
Drama Anime (452)
Anime Series (6721)
Movies by Genre
Dinosaurs (67687)
Dramas for ages 8 to 10 (1267)
Princesses (67624)
Goofy Animal Tales (904)
Animal Tales (5507)
Classic Musicals (32392)
Classic Comedies (31694)
Nature & Science Documentaries (2595)
Teen Viewing
Feel-good Teen Movies (2548)
Teen Action & Adventure (3754)
Teen Comedies (3519)
Teen Coming-of-age Dramas (4295)
Teen Coming-of-age Movies (2916)
Teen Dramas (9299)
Teen Independent Comedies (4441)
Teen Movies (2340)
Teen Sports Comedies (945)
Teen Sports Movies (3410)
Inspiring Teen Movies (1349)
TV & Kids’ Fitness
Kids’ Music (52843)
Education for Kids (10659)
Kids’ TV (27346)
TV Cartoons (11177)
TV Comedies for ages 5 to 7 (4887)
TV Shows for ages 11 to 12 (4293)
Check out the complete, utterly massive list of sub-genres and Netflix secret codes here.
Now that the brutal winter chill is gone, we’re excited about the prospect of getting up and getting moving this spring. Our all-star lineup of our favorite family fitness picks is your go-to guide for getting started. Whether you’re an experienced exercise enthusiast or just starting to find your stride, we have some of the best family fitness gear for you and the crew to keep you going all season!
We're really big fans of products that do it all, and the TRX FIT Suspension Trainer is one of them! This total-body fitness system relies on your body weight for resistance and allows you to focus on strength training, cardio, yoga, HIIT, pilates, and more. It comes with two anchoring options, too, so you can take your workout anywhere!
Having a little one doesn't have to mean you have to give up your favorite walks or runs! This jogging stroller offers a suspension designed for any terrain and a one-hand folding frame, so you can get out there with less fuss. Make sure to check out the great ratings, too!
If you can't make it to the gym, make the gym come to you! This set of interlocking puzzle-style floor tiles covers up to 24 square feet of space and can be customized into any shape to fit your space, allowing all your family fitness gear to stay in one place.
Upgrade your standing desk game with this Standing Desk Balance Board! With adjustable difficulty and a design that's easy on all floors, this is an awesome way to break up your day and keep moving!
While you're getting your balance on at your desk, get your kiddos hopping with these Gonge Riverstones! These non-slip "stones" are fantastic for honing balance and fine motor skills, and they'll love going from a simple jump pattern to more advanced scrabbled patterns.
Super fun, and, quite frankly, feels pretty darn good, this weighted hula hoop system is perfect if you're looking for a less-intense, low-impact workout that doesn’t require a ton of equipment!
Creating a designated workout space doesn't have to mean adding on a room to your house! Throw down this protective mat and set up your home gym in any corner! It also comes in 3 colors.
Stay balanced with grippy socks from MoveActive! They come in a bunch of colors and styles so everything from yoga to Pilates and weight training feels a lot more secure!
Shoes not offering enough support? Super-charge them with high-grade shock absorption with gel forefoot and heel pads enhance cushioning. These athletic insoles offer a foam layer that provides comfort from heel to toe. The velvety breathable cover provides foot comfort, too!
Bring the trainer into your home with the award-winning FORME Fitness Mirror! The modular fitness mirror provides a host of classes such as boxing, meditation, yoga, HIIT plus live 1:1 personal training with a trainer who tracks performance from week to week and provides on-the-spot feedback for improving technique and overall fitness.
Sweat Shaper
Sweat Shaper
$40
Although this one definitely isn't for kiddos, the Sweat Shaper is an easy way to add an extra layer to your workouts!
For your little-littles, this play gym is perfect for getting them used to moving with the whole family, without them playing with equipment that could be dangerous.
They've seen the show; now give your kiddos the excitement of becoming a real Ninja Warrior thanks to this complete set!
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
There’s no denying Boston is home to more than its fair share of innovative local businesses. So during Women’s History Month, we thought we’d give a shout out to a few of our favorite women-owned businesses that call Boston home. From bakeries and art studios to skincare businesses and a new(ish) plant store, these women entrepreneurs are here to share their talents and passions with the community. Get ready to shop!
Green thumb or not, a trip to Wesleaf Designs & Decor’s Plant Studio is inspiring, especially with spring just around the corner. They’ve got everything your home needs to connect to nature, from hanging house plants to succulents and framed mosses. Plant consultation, design parties and plant sitting are also part of shop owner, Weslie Etienne Pierre’s expertise.
What Tzurit Or started as an at-home bakery in 2007 has grown into something of a local phenomenon over the past 15 years. Across the greater Boston area, you’ll find 19 different Tatte Bakery & Café locations, each with its own special feel. But each carries the delectable pastries and baked goods people crave, alongside tartines, sandwiches, salads and shakshuka to fill you up throughout the day. We’re loving the bake-at-home kits that make fresh-baked that much easier (and better) for busy families.
Parents love this charming “old-school neighborhood creative space” for kids in Brookline. Amy brings kids of all ages through the process of creating, be it painting, jewelry making or weaving. After school classes, camps and art project boxes means access for all, so kids can create at their own pace and in their own space.
Families can trust Tina Ramos, owner and founder of CrossFit Boston Iron & Grit, to get them in shape, no matter what their fitness goals. This Harvard-educated teacher brings her experience working with at-risk youth and her passion for fitness to work each day, with creative classes that cover everything from nutrition to Olympic lifting to classes just for teens.
Collette Divitto was born in 1990 with Down Syndrome. She grew up in Ridgefield, Connecticut, where she developed a passion for baking after taking classes in high school. After attending Clemson University and finishing a three-year LIFE program in just two years, Colette moved to Boston where she struggled to find employment. That's where Collettey’s Cookies was born. Knowing firsthand the struggles that people with Down Syndrome endure while looking for employment, Collette decided that her company would be not just a means of earning a living, but it would have a greater mission—to create jobs for other people with disabilities.
Parents in the know are familiar with Not Just Co.'s lineup of Not Just Caramel (sea salt-tahini), Not Just Pesto (tomato pesto), Not Just Salad Dressing (miso-lemon vinaigrette) and the kid-favorite Not Just Pasta Sauce. Find their products at a store near you and follow their blog for family-friendly recipes.
You'll love the vegan treats you can get from this woman-owned spot that offers weekly pickups in Dorchester. You can also find their treats in many spots around the Boston area. Get the vegan bourbon pecan pie, you won't regret it.
TRILLFIT hip hop-based classes foster community—a community that supports safe space to thrive and make long lasting positive health decisions. They are actively changing the face of the boutique fitness industry by modeling radical inclusion, acceptance, self love and shared support to transform attendees’ confidence, advance well being and ultimately promote “front row freedom.”
Founded in 2008, Lark Fine Foods is a women-owned and operated specialty foods company located north of Boston in historic Essex, Massachusetts. They offer a distinctive line of baked goods and specialty items inspired by “grown-up” consumers with sophisticated tastes, where every bite excites the senses with flavor combinations that are sometimes unexpected, but always delicious. Lark’s award-winning COOKIES FOR GROWN-UPS® and SAVORY BISCUITS can be purchased individually or as part of their thoughtfully curated gift boxes on their website, or individually at select retail outlets nationwide.
Brown and Coconut skin care is crafted with distinct blends of powerful plants, botanical extracts and clays that work in harmony to support our skin’s delicate balance. Founded by two Boston-based sisters who have suffered from acne and eczema, Brown and Coconut skin care is gentle on your skin, effective in tackling your skin concerns and simply delightful to use.
Petsi Pies (pronounced “peet-see”) an indie bakery and coffee bar serving up handmade pies and pastries in Somerville, MA since 2003. Founder Renee “Petsi” McLeod grew up baking pies in her grandmother’s kitchen and hasn’t stopped since. Everything is baked fresh daily using only all-natural ingredients and no fillers or mixes of any kind.
This Somerville business owned by Jo-Ann Keith offers cat and dog grooming by appointment as well as dog sitting. They also sell many different products for your animals to use at home.
2023 isn’t about weight. It’s about feeling as good as possible. Not just any equipment will do; these fitness gear for moms picks are curated just for you!
Weight loss is the last thing on our minds. It’s 2023 and we know our jeans size doesn’t have anything to do with our worth. We know it can be tough, but we’re here to remind you that you’re already fabulous. You’re a great parent, friend, partner, boss, employee, and more. You’re smart, funny, brave, talented, strong, and loved. Those are the things that determine your worth, so you don’t have to do anything else to prove it. What we want is for you to also feel your best, and keeping your energy up and your health a priority. And, since moms need a whole different level of strength, we also need mom-friendly fitness gear to keep up with us!
It’s also way easier to prioritize that stuff when it’s convenient. And what’s more convenient than Amazon, right? These are some of the best health and fitness gear for moms on the ‘Zon. We’ve made sure that it’s all ultra mom-friendly, too. They’re all easy-to-reach-for, easy-to-use, comfortable, fun, and affordable. We’ve thought long and hard about what we want to achieve this year and how we want to achieve it, and these are some great tools to get started. Add your favorite water bottle and you’re all set to feel amazing!
Whether you choose one, two, or all of them, we’re pretty sure you’re going to start feeling a little better every day. Fitness gear for moms isn’t your average gym equipment. Afterall, moms are anything but average!
POPFLEX Vegan Suede Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
Not all yoga mats are created equal and this pilates/yoga mat from POPFLEX proves it! The velvety vegan suede is designed to handle sweat and even gets grippy-er (read: more stable) as your body heats up.
Fitbit is the original fitness tracker and they've come a long way. GPS, daily readiness, 24/7 heart rate monitor, 40+ exercise modes, sleep tracking, and more!
Place this baby in warm water or in the freezer and you have 30 minutes of foot relief, from spurs, plantar fasciitis, and good old-fashioned wore-those-cute-heels-too-long or chased-kiddos-all-day foot pain!
In case your feet aren't the only part of you in need of some TLC (and let's face it; it's likely), this massage roller is for you. Get your blood circulating, soothe inflammation, and revive tired muscles fast.
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Mini Bike Pedal Bike Exerciser
Multitasking is the name of the game for us, so being able to set up this low-impact pedal exerciser right under our desks and having the option to cycle through 8 levels of magnetic resistance makes it such a win.
ZELUS Balance Ball Trainer with Resistance Bands and Foot Pump
If your regular workout routine is feeling a little stagnant, or if your goal is strength and flexibility, this ultra-stable (and environmentally-friendly!) trainer is an awesome tool to add to the mix!
It can get so uncomfortable to wear your wedding ring when you're working out or on the move, so Groove Life created these breathable, flexible (and super fun!) silicone rings!
Look, we know that it feels like everything is cropped these days, but for workouts (or working from home), we're into them. Especially since we also live for high-rise leggings, this adorable top looks great alone or under a jacket, too.
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Indoor or out, there are plenty of activities to keep your family busy in the new year!
A new year and a new month are just around the corner. If you’ve resolved to find amazing new adventures with your kids, we’ve got ideas—one for each day of the month, in fact. In between your snowy sledding adventures and your busy back-to-school schedules, try one of these family activities that’s anything but boring.
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1. Celebrate the New Year at a National Park (psst…entrance fees are waived on January 16 because it is Martin Luther King Jr. Day). These popular parks have the outdoor bells and whistles families love or try a little-known park for a change of scenery.
2. Looking for other ways to celebrate 2023’s arrival with the kids? We’ve got family friendly ideas you can do at home.
3. Ditch your family’s New Year’s resolutions for new routines, instead. It’s a great way for kids (and parents!) to set and keep goals all year long.
4. Break out winter activity sheets for a quick family activity during the witching hour.
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5. Get your kiddos ready to head back to the classroom after a long winter break with memory games they’ll love.
18. Whether you’ve got enough snow on the ground to build a whole snow family (or you’re just dreaming of winter’s favorite frozen stuff), these snowman snacks will make kids smile.
Celebrate the life, legacy, and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with your kids
MLK Day is right around the corner. If you’re looking for ways to honor and serve on January 16, there’s no better place to explore Dr. King’s legacy than in his birthplace—Atlanta. With school officially canceled for this important holiday, your family can explore our city’s important Civil Rights landmarks, engage in activities and educational experiences at the city’s museums, and find ways to be of service. Let’s remember to make this a day on, as we continue to work toward Dr. King’s dream of an equitable and just world.
The King Center is a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy all year long. Their mission is to empower people to create an equitable and peaceful world through youth work, service projects, and more. To commemorate MLK Day, The King Center hosts a 10-day observance, starting January 16 with a kick off reception at Freedom Hall Atrium. They'll also host a Community Service Project that families can easily participate in. Simply drop off needed items (like socks, coats, blankets, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and more) at the King Center Freedom Hall Plaza on January 16, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
After visiting The King Center, explore other monuments and historically important places at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. What better way to honor Dr. King than to head to where it all started? Families can tour King's birth home, where he spent his first 12 years, Mondays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Visitor Center, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Freedom Hall are also all on the campus, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays. All sites are free to the public.
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights believes in justice and dignity for all and the power of people to make this idea real. They inspire visitors with immersive exhibitions, dynamic events and conversations, plus engagement and education/training programs. The Center's King Day program starts a bit early, on January 12 and runs through MLK Day (Jan. 16). It includes interactive storytimes, artist talk backs, spoken word performances, and more.
The early start for this year's event coincides with the opening of National Center for Civil & Human Rights' new King exhibit, Now is the Time. Focused on King's March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom and its 60th anniversary. The exhibit runs through Juneteenth (Jun. 19) of this year.
National Center for Civil & Human Rights 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW Atlanta Online:civilandhumanrights.org
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday with the Children's Museum of Atlanta and explore his life and legacy on the Stage, at the Science Bar, and in the Art Studio. This year's celebration will include seed planting at the Tree of Change with guest artist, Martell Belle. Kids can also share ways they can help shape a world Dr. King would be proud of on the Dream Collaborative Mural.
Although this isn't a traditional MLK Day celebration, it should be an exciting and inspiring one for kids, in a different way. The State Farm Arena is where you can watch HBCU Culture's Battle of the Bands. Doors open at 4 p.m. and performers will include Jackson State University, Miles College, Alabama A & M, and more.
State Farm Arena 1 State Farm Dr. Atlanta Online:hbcuculture.com
Atlanta History Center Celebration
Bring the kids to the Atlanta History Center to experience hands-on activities on MLK Day, Atlanta families. Civil-rights themed trivia, crafts, performances, and a chance to simulate a Freedom Rider experience on an authentic Greyhound Bus will keep the kids engaged and learning during the visit. This event is free, and registration is recommended.
Swing by the Embry Hills Library to pick up a free Martin Luther King, Jr. craft kit (while supplies last) on January 14. Spend time with the kids putting the kit together and talking about the work of Dr. King.
Experience the national parks for free on Jan. 16 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Day, including these Georgia parks that normally charge an entrance fee: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Fort Pulaski National Monument, and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Get the scoop on some of Georgia's best national parks for families with our Tinybeans Guide.
Participate in MLK Jr. Day of Service
Throughout January 2023, thousands of Atlantans will celebrate and honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—taking the day ON. Help build Dr. King’s Beloved Community and get involved in one of the many service events hosted by Hands On Atlanta. There are so many places to volunteer, starting January 11.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Day in the spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood with fellowship and fitness. This 5K walk/run will take place entirely on New Peachtree Road, with a 3.1-mile drumline all along the race course. The party starts at 9 a.m. and the course is fast and flat. Let Freedom Run!
First Baptist Church of Doraville 5935 New Peachtree Rd. Doravill, GA Online:mlkday5k.com
Looking for a little Insta inspiration this summer? Ideas to get you out and about, exploring local attractions and little known spots? What better place to find ideas that go beyond the everyday than by following Boston influencers. Check out these Boston Instagram moms who are sharing everything from breastfeeding and sleep tricks to travel ideas and cool Boston spots that are worth a look. So grab your phones and get following. These moms have got what you need to find amazing new adventures with the kids this summer.
Look to Boston mama Kate Bowler for entertaining inspiration of all sorts. Not only can she help anyone set the scene for a fabu family summer soiree, but she also shares reading lists, gardening tips and fun vacation ideas for New England families.
Fertility issues and a growing family are front and center of this honest Insta account where Colleen posts heartfelt quotes that make parents (and people hoping to be parents) feel heard, alongside cute pics of her kids.
Bookworms of all ages can follow this account to find great new titles that focus on multicultural children's books. Live author events, books giveaways and more are all part of the experience.
Neuroscientist turned multimedia creative, Christine Koh posts about balancing work and life with absolute honesty. This Boston mom does it all. She's a writer, speaker, podcaster and Editor of Boston Mamas, too.
Katricia is a mom of three, and we love following her family's adventures in Boston and beyond. But one of the best parts of her feed has got to be her shout outs to her husband and her creative baking ideas.
These two powerhouse mamas are both registered nurses, and they set up Boston NAPS to guide moms through pregnancy and beyond. You'll find their IG page full of tips and tricks for new moms and super helpful classes like pre-baby bootcamp.
We love following Sarah Dussault for her fitness tips and glimpses into mothering three kids. Her blog has loads of pregnancy and postpartum info, and her fitness videos are the perfect way to exercise when you literally only have 10 minutes.
Biana is a lifestyle blogger and mommy to Sophia and baby Mason who shares her life with us over on Instagram. You can also follow her wedding planning business at @bespokebostonweddings.
Eliza Venn shares daily life with her cutie pie kiddos Norah and Henry. While her pics will brighten anyone’s day, parents who have partners that travel often will relate to this pilot-wife.
Brianne Johanson shares style, home & life moments over on her Instagram page. You'll find her sharing moments with her two kids, Crew and Saylor as well.
Integrative Health Coach, Ciara Clark, shares healthy eating tips with a focus on plant-based diets, alongside oh-so-cute pics of her little one on this fresh feed.
Pilates and Barre instructor Jennifer Phelan shares images of her life as a city-dwelling mom to two adorable boys. Hint: You'll also find fitness inspiration and tips while you're there.
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!
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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.