Between dance lessons, soccer practice and dinner, your schedule doesn’t have much room for exercise. And after a busy day running around with the kids (but not necessarily spending quality family time with them), the last thing you want to do is leave the house to go the gym. Although you should never feel guilty about prioritizing your health, there are ways to incorporate fitness and your family. Fit fitness into your busy schedule with these tips:

Play With Your Kids

Next time you take your kids to the park, don’t sit on the sidelines. Instead, run around playing tag or push your kids on the swing. Get creative with the playground; race your kids up the slide or have them act as a coach counting and timing your repetitions. You can also use the jungle gym as workout equipment:

  • Hang from the monkey bars and crunch your knees up to your chest
  • Use the swings like you would use TRX bands at the gym
  • Work on your pull-ups or sprint up the slide as fast you can

Repeat these exercises in a circuit.

Take Advantage of Their Extracurricular

Instead of just dropping your kids off to soccer, basketball or dance practice, get active at the field or gym while cheering your kids on. Go for a jog around the court or run/walk up the bleachers. They’ll appreciate the support and you’ll get a workout in.

Jump in the Pool

Moms look at pool time as a way to relax under the sun. And although we all need a little R&R, don’t miss out on the opportunity of a total body workout that the pool will provide. Whether you do laps or jog across the shallow end, getting active in the water before you relax under the sun is the way to go. Once that gets easy, invest in pool fitness equipment like a Aquajogger buoyancy belt and Delta bells to strengthen your arms and shoulders with low-impact movements. It’s a great way to escape the summer heat, get a good workout and have a blast with the entire family.

Go on an Adventure

Plan a local hike or nature walk that’s appropriate for everyone in your family. If you have an infant or toddler, invest in a child carrier — their body will weigh down your own body, giving you more of a challenge. If your kids are old enough to hike by themselves, pack lunches, sunblock and lots of water and explore the local trails.

Mommy and Me Yoga

Mommy and me yoga is a great way to bond with your baby while getting your yoga on. Think of their tiny bodies as weights, providing resistance while you find your flow. Incorporating your baby into your practice is a great way to further engage your core in poses like tree pose as you balance your baby on your hip. You also meet other parents and form a community of busy moms who still prioritize themselves and their health.

Go for a Bike Ride

Bikes are a great way to get active with your kids. If you have an infant or a toddler, put them in a bike seat or pull them in a bike trailer while you cycle. Point out interesting things for them along the way while you feel the burn pedaling that extra weight. If your kids are old enough to ride their own bikes but still beginners, have them ride alongside you while you jog or rollerblade. Go for a ride around the block while they keep your pace. If your kids are comfortable on bikes, plan a family bike ride through one of New Jersey’s many bike trails.