Let’s be honest—I’m no fitness model. My days of being “bikini ready” fizzled out after that one summer in my twenties when I dabbled in hot yoga and switched from beer to white wine. However, I did manage to bounce back to my pre-baby weight surprisingly fast after my second munchkin entered the world, and I’ve managed to keep it off now that she’s a year old. The secret? I have my very own live-in personal trainer who’s half my size, weighs about 30 pounds, and is relentless (we’re working on that “no” thing). Say hello to my 4-year-old!
And guess what? She’s not alone in this gig! If you’re curious about hiring a pint-sized trainer for a day, just ask a friend with a preschooler. You’ll wave goodbye as they zoom away, whooping like they just won a game show.
Here are five ways my little one keeps me on my toes:
- Stretching: My trainer loves to initiate “crouching mama, hidden crayon” as a warm-up. Set the stage by placing paper and crayons on the coffee table and inviting her to color. After a mere five minutes, the red crayon will inevitably roll under the couch, triggering a mini-crisis. To complete this exercise, get down on your belly and reach under the couch, stretching until your fingertips barely graze the crayon. You’ll find yourself shimmying under the couch and contorting your body in ways you never thought possible, just to retrieve that little bugger. And let’s not forget to repeat this with pink, green, blue, and yellow crayons—switching arms for that extra stretch!
- Cardio: Want to really get your heart racing? A trip to the local grocery store is just the ticket. Ask her if she wants to use the restroom as you enter, knowing she’ll decline. Stroll leisurely to the frozen food aisle while holding a jug of milk, but beware—if she suddenly crosses her legs, it’s time to sprint! Grab her hand, fumble in your purse to confirm the absence of spare pants, and dash back to the restroom. If it’s occupied, stay calm—the men’s is usually free. Knock, enter, and assist your (almost) relieved child onto the toilet. Now that’s cardio!
- Resistance/Strength Training: For a solid full-body workout, take her to a fun place like Grandma’s house or a public pool. Just when you’re having a blast after several hours of laughter, announce it’s time to leave. For added challenge, wait until a half-hour before bedtime to break the news. Good luck with that!
- Agility Training: Throughout the day, it may seem like your trainer is busy with some imaginative play. Don’t be fooled! She’s actually setting up an obstacle course for you to navigate later. A delightful mix of scattered Hot Wheels, foam blocks, and throw pillows will keep you agile. If that’s not enough of a workout, try running the course while preparing dinner.
- Cool Down: Finally, it’s time to wind down. Lie next to your freshly bathed, rosy-cheeked sweetheart in her pajamas. Prepare to read “The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog” or “Curious George and the Firefighters” for what feels like the millionth time. Kiss her goodnight, turn off the light, and close your eyes for just a minute. Spoiler alert: you’ll probably wake up two hours later thanks to a cherubic elbow jab.
Let me be clear: this routine isn’t for everyone. There are evenings when I stand in her doorway, wondering how I’ll tackle what tomorrow brings without losing my marbles. And as for my diet? It mostly consists of endless grilled cheeses, chocolate milk, and anything adorned with frosting or sprinkles.
Still, I can’t help but recommend this energetic regimen to everyone I meet. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, check out this intriguing resource. Plus, for those looking to boost their fertility, you might want to explore these fertility supplements. For further insight into pregnancy and home insemination, visit Progyny’s blog—it’s a fantastic resource!
Summary
My child is not just my daughter but also my personal trainer, keeping me active and engaged in ways I never anticipated. From stretching to cardio, resistance training, agility challenges, and cool-down routines, she certainly keeps me on my toes. While this workout plan might not suit everyone, the benefits of having a pint-sized trainer are endless.