It’s that time of year again where day to day life becomes a balancing act, so how do you stay active during the School Summer Holidays

The 6 week school summer holidays are a time of excitement for children, it’s what they have been waiting for since easter, but for parents, they can present a challenge.

Juggling work, childcare, and staying active might seem like a task beyond all tasks.

However, maintaining your fitness routine while looking after your children and managing work commitments is possible with a little creativity and planning.

Here are some practical tips to help you stay active throughout the summer holidays without compromising on family time or getting fired.

1. Incorporate Family-Friendly Workouts: One of the easiest ways to stay active is to include your children in your workouts. Family-friendly exercises such as cycling, swimming, hiking, or even a game of football in the park can be both fun and effective. Not only do these activities keep you moving, but they also provide quality bonding time with your kids. You can start to make it a habit to engage in some form of physical activity together.
2. Early Morning or Late Evening Workouts: With longer daylight hours, you can take advantage of early mornings or late evenings for your workouts. This allows you to exercise before the kids wake up (if you have teenagers then you have all morning) or after the young ones have gone to bed, this ensures that your fitness routine doesn’t interfere with family time or work. Whether it’s a quick run, a home workout, or a session at the gym, finding time when things are a little quiet can be a game-changer.
3. Utilize Short, Intense Workouts: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) or other short, intense workout programs are perfect for parents with limited time. These workouts can be completed in 20-30 minutes and are highly effective in maintaining fitness levels. You can do them at home, in the garden, or even in a local park while the kids play nearby. The key is to make the most of the time you have and keep your sessions short but impactful. These also don’t have to high impact type stuff, keep it simple and you will still find the benefits from it.
4. Plan Active Outings: When planning outings with your children, choose activities that involve physical movement. Trips out that can keep everyone active without it feeling like a workout. Walking around, climbing, or even playing on playgrounds ensures you’re not just sitting around. Plus, it keeps the children engaged and entertained and away from screens.
5. Leverage At-Home Workouts: There are countless fitness apps and online workout videos designed for busy parents. These resources can be incredibly convenient, allowing you to squeeze in a workout while the kids are occupied with a movie or a nap. From yoga and Pilates to strength training and cardio, you can find a variety of workouts to suit your preferences and time constraints.
6. Set Up a Home Gym: If going to the gym is challenging during the summer holidays, consider setting up a small workout space at home. Basic equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, a yoga mat, and a jump rope can be very effective. This setup allows you to fit in quick workouts without the need to leave the house, making it easier to balance exercise with watching the kids and handling work tasks. Remember you don’t have to go out and spend a fortune on kit.
7. Make Use of Local Facilities: Many councils offer summer programs and activities for children, such as sports camps, swimming lessons, and dance classes. While your children are engaged in these activities, you can use the time to work out at a nearby gym or go for a run. It’s a win-win situation where everyone gets to be active and enjoy their summer.

Staying active during the UK school summer holidays requires a bit of organisation and flexibility, but it’s entirely doable.

This is one of the things we do here at The Fox Den, all our classes are available on demand and some are even available live on Zoom for those who just can’t get in. We want to make movement, and exercise part of your daily life and a non negotiable.

By incorporating some of these tips into your routine, you can maintain your fitness levels, ensure your children have a fun and active holiday, and manage your work commitments effectively.

Remember, the goal is to find a balance that works for you and your family, keeping everyone happy and healthy throughout the summer.