5 exercises for mums

As mums we are all so busy, and it can be hard to find the time to exercise. But a day at the park doesn’t have to be spent supervising and drinking lattes. The next time you visit your local playground, why not get active with your little ones and squeeze in a quick, fun workout that you can enjoy together.

Recently I spent the afternoon with young Zoe (4 years) at the lovely Northpoint Playground, Brighton, which some of us local mums also refer to as ‘The Pirate Park’. With its great pirate-themed play equipment and amazing Melbourne beach and city skyline, it’s a favourite Sunday play spot for my son and I and many other families.

We came up with five exercises that cover all of the main muscle groups and also integrated some of the play equipment to make things a little more challenging.

How to work out at the park

Before you start, make sure you are nice and warm – walking to the park is a great warm up.

Perform 45 seconds of each of the following exercises, with a 15 second rest in between. Hit as many rounds as you can do and ask the kids to join in too – they will love it!

1. The rope climb

Enjoy a rope/ladder climb with your little ones, working the entire body.

2. Wall-sits

Sit against a flat surface, back against the wall, and aim for your thighs to be parallel to the ground. This will burn those legs.

3. Bench dips

Keep your body nice and close to the bench and perform your dips, squeezing the back of the arms as you lower your body, then push back up again.

4. Bench plank

Set up with your feet up on the bench, body in a plank position with wrists and shoulders aligned, hands shoulder width apart. And hold it there! (Warning: I can promise you that your child will want to jump on top, so be sure to enjoy the extra resistance)

5. Burpees

Get out in the park with your little ones and perform 45 seconds of burpees – the kids love these, and they work your entire body. You can step them out or jump them, or just jump around and enjoy your family fun time.

When complete, head over to the café for that well deserved latte.

Bianca is the owner of Blue Sky Fitness in bayside Melbourne.

Photography: [Kelly Mastwijk](mailto: kelliemastwijk@outlook.com). Styling: Runway Room, Hampton. Wardrobe: 2XU Australia.