Hello, summer holiday … and hello the endless Muuuuuuuuum calls! When you are a busy parent, it can be extremely hard to find the time to fit your fitness routine in whilst the kids are off school. Therefore, I have listed some essential tips for staying active whilst also having fun with your children during the school holiday.

1) Active Summer Holiday Activities

Finding active activities for all the family is a great way to remain fit, and also bond together. Swimming is a great option, especially with this amazing summer we’re having! Taking your bikes for a spin is also a great activity. Or simply taking a walk down a local footpath is a great way of maintaining your fitness. Any physical activity will help you to burn fat, build your core muscles and improve muscle tone.

2) Keep Your Nutrition On Track

It’s the holiday season… it’s 5 o’clock, G&T anyone? It can be very easy to lose track quickly with your healthy eating, which can result in piling the pounds on, as activity levels tend to drop also. Try cooking varied and colourful dishes and involve your children in the making of these. Healthy baking is also a great activity, you can try my healthy Avocado Chocolate Chip Cookies. It is also not too late to grow your own salad.

3) Workout In The Garden

Finding time the time to go to a gym or fitness class can be quite difficult, especially during the summer holidays. Therefore, heading outdoors whilst your kids are playing is the perfect solution. The Trainers have designed for you a body-weight workout written below. You do not need any equipment, only you and your body. This effective workout can be performed anywhere…so no excuses!

2 Minute Warm Up

• 1 min Jogging on the spot
• 30 sec start jumps
• 15 sec high knees
• 15 sec bum kicks

Now, your heart rate should be raised, set the timer on your phone for 20 minutes and complete as many rounds as possible.

1. Burpees (10 reps)
2. Crunches (20 reps)
3. Plank (30 secs)
4. Kneeling Press-ups (40reps)
5. Alternating Lunges (50  reps)
6. Running on the spot (60 secs)

If you are finding if difficult, don’t worry just try and complete as many rounds as you can in 20 minutes, you’ll feel great after!

4) Go, Fruit Picking,

Fruit picking is a great way to get the kids outdoors, you can go for a small hike through your local woods and you’ll find many blackberries, ready to be picked. Taking a small picnic and stopping along the way can turn this activity into a full day out. You can maybe stop off at your local park, pushing your kids on the swing is a workout in itself!

5) Re-schedule Your Workouts

Whilst your children are at school, it can be easy to get into a routine of your favorite workouts throughout the week. However, when the children are at home, this can become near impossible to do. Therefore, instead of becoming frustrated and miss workouts daily, fitting these around your new schedule can solve this problem. If your children have naps throughout the day, complete an at-home workout. Or if you find yourself waking up early, put on your trainers and head out for a run before the teenagers have arisen! If you find it difficult, one of The Trainers can come to your home at a time that suits you. They’ll bring all of the equipment and also a perfectly planned programme suited for your training goals and needs. Therefore, you can maximise your results in a one-hour session.

6) Get More Sleep

And finally my last, and most important step! Get more sleep! With the alarm clocks turned off, and bedtimes usually are out of the window, this is your chance to catch up on sleep. Sleep is a very important part of all fitness programmes. Whilst you are sleeping your body is repairing itself. Getting 8 hours or more is recommended to help you to feel more energised. You’ll then be able to run around after the kids all day, and incorporate a workout where possible.

I hope this simple tips and reminders will help you to remain active throughout your summer.