Keeping Up With Your Littles: Grandma Training

Are you gearing up to keep up with your littles? Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or a loving aunt or uncle, staying fit and active is essential to making lasting memories and enjoying time with the younger generation. With a bit of training, you can enhance your ability to engage in activities without feeling worn out. Let’s break down some of the best training tips to keep you in on the fun.

The Importance of Staying Strong and Mobile

As a personal trainer, I understand the importance of maintaining fitness as we age. While many people focus on traditional workouts, there’s an aspect often overlooked: training for the “grand stage” of life. This isn’t just about vanity; it’s about vitality and being prepared to make memories. Pete McCall, a master trainer, once shared how crucial it was for his own parents to stay fit for their grandkids—making sure they were strong and mobile enough to keep up with toddlers.

Key Training Areas

Balance Training: Traditional exercises like squats and deadlifts are great for equal balance. However, daily life requires us to be functional beyond equal footing. Practice dynamic movements such as one-foot standing and dynamic kicks to improve balance. Consider standing on one foot while brushing your teeth as an easy habit to incorporate balance into your routine.
Offset and Unilateral Training: Life isn’t symmetrical, and neither should your workouts be. Unilateral exercises, such as one-arm carries or single-leg squats, mimic the uneven demands of real life, like holding a child in one arm.
Grip Strength: Your grip strength is crucial for holding onto little hands or bags filled with baby essentials. It also has a surprising correlation with longevity. Hold heavy weights or perform pull exercises to build grip strength.
Getting Up and Down Off the Floor: Getting down to play on the floor and back up again without struggle keeps you engaged at eye level with kids. Practice getting up and down regularly and ensure you’re comfortable doing it effortlessly.
Functional Movements: Incorporate functional movements into your life rhythm, such as pushes, pulls, squats, and hinges. Begin these movements even if you aren’t doing formal strength training.
Endurance Holds: Whether you’re at a theme park or just at home, holding a child for an extended period can be tiring. Practice endurance with planks, wall sits, or holding weights for longer periods to build strength and stamina.

Incorporating Fitness into Daily Rhythms

No need to be in the gym at all times. Adjust your daily routine to include strength-building tasks, whether it be playing with the kids or walking. The goal is to meet life where it is, train safely, and progress naturally.

Recovery is Key

After weekends spent with your littles, take time to recuperate. Gentle activities like yoga or walking can help your body recover from the joy (and chaos) of being an all-in parent or grandparent.

Stay Connected and Motivated

For those looking to dive deeper, I’ve created a series of 10-minute YouTube workout videos that focus on these very principles. Sign up for my Nourishing Notes newsletter for inspiration on how to nourish your body, mind, and spirit. You can stay updated by subscribing and getting a little nudge via email.

Remember, staying physically prepared is a priceless gift you can give yourself and your loved ones, ensuring you’re present and full of life in every cherished moment. Go out there and take on your day with strength and grace.

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Episodes Mentioned

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YouTube Videos Mentioned

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How to Create a Highly Effective Workout with Functional Movements.

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