10 Effective Workouts You Do When Parenting a Teenager

When my kids were little, I used to burn calories chasing them around the house or backyard. 

They were constantly in motion–and so was I. Indeed, parenting little ones was a workout! 

The pace slowed a tad during the elementary school years as they turned to playing with their friends at recess or because they joined organized sports. Still, they kept me moving when we rode bikes around the neighborhood (okay, so we rode our bikes to the ice cream shop) or when they used me as the goalie to practice their soccer skills.

I thought when my kids reached their teen years that I finally would get a rest. Turns out, parenting a teenager is still a workout. There are countless ways that shepherding our teens into adulthood burns calories.

Here are all the ways that parenting a teenager is an effective workout:

#1. You can get 2,000 steps walking up and down the aisles of Forever 21 or American Eagle trailing your teen as they flip through the racks and pile stuff in your arms that they want to try on.

#2. Your fine motor skills will improve as you pull out your cash or credit card or use apps to pay for the shopping extravaganza. Or the large size meal at McDonalds, the tall venti latte at Starbucks, gas for their ride, haircuts, etc.

#3. Collecting all the cups, plates, and silverware left on the desk, on the floor, under the bed, and on the dresser in your teen’s room is a full-body workout that works arms, legs and core.

#4. Exercise your back and abs by bending over then standing up again as you pick up clothes and towels left on the floor and rehang them or chuck them in a pile on your teen’s bed.

#5. Add in some high intensity interval training as you jump up and down cheering for their team in a game, alternating with moments you sit down, hold your breath, and contract every muscle as you wait for the next play to unfold. 

#6. Your arms will be burning after you stick them straight out to brace for impact while your teen learns how to drive–and how to use the brakes. 

#7. Driver’s training is also excellent for toning your grip as you use it to cling to that handle on the passenger door.

#8. Parenting teens provides a mental workout, too. That’s right you’ll stay sharp, although possibly go insane, as you try and keep straight:

• Who used to be friend, wasn’t a friend last week, but is now a friend again. At least for today.
• Who is the object of your teen’s affections this week
• What day of the week it is, and
• How much you owe for the team fundraiser, science class field trip, SAT prep class, and the guidance counselor’s retirement gift. 

#9. Up your steps by walking around the neighborhood. Start by catching your teen when they are happy and would like to talk. Or when they are bored and would like to talk. Or when they really don’t want to talk and would like to talk. Circle the neighborhood and watch your legs–and your bond with your teen–grow stronger. 

#10. Don’t forget hugging your teen. This is an excellent multi-compound move that tones and strengthens the muscles and the heart! 

See, parenting teens will keep you in excellent shape.

Feel the burn. And the love.