For moms and daughters, time together is precious. But with full days and busy schedules, it's easy to feel like the opportunities for making a real connection are few and far between. Why not turn workout time into bonding time? Enjoying physical activity together is fun; it allows you to reconnect, and recommit to living a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
No matter your age, you can find activities to get both of you motivated and moving. Try these suggestions for each stage of life:
Infancy and toddlerhood
Every young mother knows that just caring for a baby is exercise. You're already picking her up, carrying her around, and lugging a diaper bag everywhere you go. A "workout" might be as simple as bouncing your daughter on your knee while you watch the news or wait to switch out the laundry. Or, pop in a Mommy Baby workout DVD and follow along as you lift and move with your little one. As your daughter gets older, keeping up with her can become a workout as she explores her world: playing ring-around-the-rosy, catching lightning bugs, exploring your garden, or walking the neighborhood.
Elementary and middle school
Exercise options expand greatly once your daughter is ready for school. Think of your workouts as playdates. Ride bikes together, jump rope, play kickball, and cruise the playground. Later on, you can expect that exercising with Mom won't be as cool. Get creative with some can't-resist trips away from home: mother-daughter camping, horseback rides, caving expeditions, or canoeing. When you return from one adventure, you can bond as you plot your next one.
High school and college
Once again, the dynamic changes, and you'll have to be on your toes. Your daughter may want to work out with her friends, or perhaps the cute boy down the street, so try to schedule exercise in advance to make sure you meet up regularly. She may be ready to spend time with you on that elliptical trainer or in your spinning class now. You could enter a road race together, or tap into whatever sport she plays at school by offering her some extra practice. Use this special time to catch up on what's happening in her life—it's a great opportunity to keep connected during a time when she's likely to want your support and guidance.
Adulthood
By the time you've come full circle, you'll both know what the other likes to do. Set a regular workout date to keep one another on track and motivated. Working out in whatever form—walking, going to the gym, competing in sports, or just window-shopping together—will take on a special meaning, and you can use your time to share perspectives and talk over problems. This might be the most rewarding phase of all, because you get to enjoy firsthand the product of all your labors and quality time!
