Keeping up with grandkids takes more stamina than most people expect — especially once you’re lifting toddlers, chasing scooters and spending long afternoons on the floor. Here’s how grandparents can build the strength, balance and endurance that make it easier to stay active, capable and fully in the mix.
We all remember that chasing after babies and young kids can be tiring, but when you’re a grandparent it can be downright exhausting. If you’re a grandparent on the babysitting rota, or want to get on to one, you need to know that watching them move around demands that you move around with them. This can be especially hard if you’re not already incorporating movement in your everyday life even when you’re not with the grandkids.
Get Started Today
It can be as simple as walking around your neighbourhood, joining an indoor mall walking club, or hitting the gym for a treadmill. You might work up to a slow jog. Of course many people in their 50s, 60s,70s and beyond are still running marathons. You probably don’t need to run 26 miles to catch up with your grandkids, but every step you take is extremely important. We’ve all heard that “sitting is the new smoking”, in that it’s harmful to your health to sit in the same position hour after hour.
Put down the phone or the tablet and maybe pick up a step tracker, to make sure you’re getting in the number of steps you and your doctor agree will help keep you able to move quickly or for a longer period of time. I would argue that the best way to move is to go on a walk or a hike with your grandkids.
Strength Training is Important
Movement is just one way we need to prepare ourselves for an hour or a day or two of babysitting the grandkids. Strength training comes in handy if you’re carrying around a nine pound baby, or taking a tired toddler up the stairs. You’re going to find yourself lunging for that three-year-old who is just about to slam into a table, and you will probably be squatting to play on the floor, both of which will be made easier by doing lunges and squats on a regular basis. Push-ups will build your chest muscles, so you can lift your grandson up in the air (over and over again), and doing a farmer’s carry will help with hauling a folded up stroller or playpen.
It's All About Balance
Balance is something that can be a challenge as we get older, and you definitely don’t want to lose it when you’re holding that most precious cargo. Balance exercises like standing on one foot (on a Bosu ball is even better) and doing strength exercises which challenge one side at a time will help you to build your core and oblique muscles and refine your sense of balance. If you’re going to be babysitting in a location with stairs, make sure the handrails are sturdy and practice going up and down the stairs with objects in one hand, while holding on with the other. Toddlers can weigh 40 pounds, and they are reputed to be a bit squirmy.
Stretch It Out
Stretching is important to keep those muscles warmed up. If you’re not used to moving and using your strength, you’ll need to stretch to match the physical demands of being responsible for your grandkids, whether they’re five or fifty pounds heavy. Your arms and legs will definitely feel a day at the playground, and more so if you haven’t stretched out before, and after.
The Rewards Are Clear
The best reward for doing those squats, working on your upper body muscles and your balance, is when you can lean into a running hug from a grandchild. Put down the phone, pick up a pair of runners and start taking those first steps before grandbaby is taking theirs.
Please consult your doctor before taking on any new exercise plans. There are many online personal trainers you can follow for free, or think about investing in a personal trainer to get you started on this continuing journey of strength and mobility.
