5 Fun Ways to Get Moving That Don’t Feel Like Exercise
Perfect for Busy Moms
Let me guess: your “workout” yesterday was wrestling a toddler into their car seat, followed by a speed-walk through the grocery store with a cart full of snacks. Same.
The idea that we’re supposed to magically find a spare hour for the gym is a special kind of joke, right? We’re single moms. Our entire life is a cardio session. Just check my Apple Watch stats. But that doesn’t change the fact that our bodies, and more importantly, our minds, need a reset. We need a way to shake off the stress without adding one more thing to our plate.
So, I’m officially breaking up with “exercise.” Bye giiiirrrll!
Instead, I’m finding ways to have fun that just so happen to get me moving. Forget the guilt and the gym memberships.
Here are five ways to feel good in your body:
1. Dance Party in the Living Room (Kid-Approved!)
This is my absolute favorite, and it’s guaranteed to get giggles.
• How it works: Pick a playlist of upbeat songs (Disney hits, 80s throwbacks, whatever gets you going!). Turn up the volume and just dance. No choreography needed, no judgment. Just pure, uninhibited movement. This exercise alone is the reason my five year old knows all of Hamilton!
• Why it works: You get cardio, you laugh, you connect with your child, and it’s a huge mood booster. Seriously, try to stay stressed when you’re flailing your arms to “Let It Go” with a tiny human. Plus, jumping and shaking actually counts as exercise!
• Solo Mom Pro-Tip: Make it a routine! “Dance Party Friday” can be a great way to kick off the weekend and burn off some of that end-of-week energy.
2. “Power Walk” Your Errands
Forget driving around the parking lot for the closest spot. Park further away, take the stairs, and turn your mundane tasks into mini-adventures.
• How it works: When you’re at the grocery store, do an extra lap around the perimeter before hitting your aisles. Walk the long way to the mailbox. If you’re running multiple errands in a small area, park once and walk between locations instead of driving.
• Why it works: It’s practical movement! You’re already out, so why not maximize your steps? Those extra minutes add up, and you’ll be surprised how much better you feel just by adding a bit more fresh air.
• Solo Mom Pro-Tip: If your child is old enough, make it a game: “Let’s see how many steps we can get before we get to the car!” Or give them a mission to find specific items in the grocery store, sending them on little “scavenger hunts” that keep them moving too.
3. The Playground “Workout” (Yes, Really!)
Forget sitting on the bench scrolling on your phone. Engage with your kid at the playground.
• How it works: Push them on the swing, chase them up the slide, climb the monkey bars (if you’re feeling brave!), or even just jog around the perimeter of the play area. Join in their games of tag or “follow the leader.”
• Why it works: You’re actively playing and getting some serious movement in without it feeling like a dedicated workout. Pushing a swing works your core and legs, chasing them is cardio, and climbing is great for strength.
• Solo Mom Pro-Tip: Challenge yourself! Can you do 10 squats while pushing your child on the swing? Can you race them to the top of the slide (and then slide down yourself for fun)?
4. Garden & Home Improvement Power-Up
Turn your chores into active opportunities.
• How it works: Instead of thinking of gardening or tidying up as just chores, lean into the physical aspect. Squat while weeding, lunge while picking up toys, and put on some music while you vacuum or sweep. Move furniture around for a fresh look, or tackle a small DIY project that requires bending and lifting.
• Why it works: Chores are non-negotiable, so you might as well make them work for you! All that bending, lifting, reaching, and scrubbing actually torches calories and builds functional strength.
• Solo Mom Pro-Tip: Break it into chunks. “I’m going to spend 15 minutes pulling weeds,” or “I’m going to vacuum the entire apartment and then I get to sit down and relax.” Knowing there’s an end in sight can make it feel less overwhelming.
5. YouTube Workout Sessions
When you do have a spare 10-20 minutes, fire up YouTube for some guided movement. Who needs a gym when you have YouTube?!
• How it works: Search for things like “10-minute dance fitness,” “beginner yoga flow,” “full-body stretching,” or even “K-pop dance tutorials for beginners.” No K-Pop? Ok I tried! Lol! There are thousands of free videos designed to get you moving without intimidation.
• Why it works: It’s free, you can do it at home in your PJs, and you can choose something that sounds genuinely fun to you. If you don’t like it, just click to the next video!
• Solo Mom Pro-Tip: Don’t aim for perfection. The goal is just to move. If your child wants to join in, even better! Embrace the awkwardness, laugh at yourself, and enjoy the feeling of stretching and moving your body.
Remember, mama, every little bit counts. You don’t need to transform into a gym rat overnight. Just find ways to weave movement into your already full life. Your body and your mind will thank you for it.
What are your favorite sneaky ways to get moving? Share your ideas in the comments below!