Being a grandma is full of magic – sticky kisses, giggles that bubble up out of nowhere, and tiny hands reaching for yours. But wanna know what else it’s full of? SQUATS. So many squats. And lifting. And crawling. And, in my case, pretending to be a turtle stuck on her back!
Now, I’m not saying your grandbabies are your new personal trainers… but I am saying my abs are way better now that I’ve spent six months turtling with my granddaughter, Skye. Turns out, playing on the floor and hauling tiny humans around is a killer workout – one you’ll actually enjoy. Let’s talk about how to sneak in some fitness without ever setting foot in a gym!
1. Turtling on the Floor: The Ultimate Core Workout in Disguise
You haven’t lived until you’ve laid on your back, flailed your arms and legs, and hollered “TURTLE DOWN!” while a toddler belly-laughs beside you. But here’s the kicker – getting up from that turtle pose? That’s basically a sit-up. Or maybe a Pilates move?
All I know is, after a few months of regularly flopping on the floor and hauling myself back up, my core is noticeably stronger. And it didn’t cost me a single crunch!
2. The Grandbaby Lift: Better Than Dumbbells
Lifting a squirmy 25-pound toddler off the ground, over your head, and into the car seat? That’s a compound movement, my friend. And if you’re doing it 47 times a day (including when they ask to be “up” and then immediately down again), that’s called strength training.
Bonus: you don’t have to count reps – they’ll just keep yelling “again!”
3. Pony Grandma Rides: Engaging Your Core, Arms, AND Your Inner Child
Picture it: me on all fours, a giggling grandbaby on my back, holding on like I’m a wild stallion. It’s adorable, chaotic, and – let me tell you – an incredible workout.
eeping yourself upright while carrying a tiny human? That’s some serious core stability right there. Not to mention the arm and leg muscles it takes to crawl around. Yeehaw, fitness!
4. The Roll-and-Rescue: Simulate Getting Off the Floor (Again and Again)
A few years back, a trainer at my local Y showed me a fancy move that simulates standing up off the ground without using your hands. Sounded weird then… sounds VERY practical now. Because guess what? Toddlers LIVE on the floor. And you’ll be getting up and down so often, your knees will start asking for a pension.
Luckily, every time you go down for playtime and get back up, you’re building leg and core strength. Go you!
5. Swing-Pushing Power: Toned Arms and Wind-in-the-Hair Joy
I may not be a dance-party grandma, but I AM a swing-pushing champion. Have you ever pushed a swing for 20 minutes straight? That’s a full-blown arm workout – especially if you throw in a few “underdogs” for bonus laughs.
I like to sing or tell silly stories while we swing, which makes the time fly. Plus, it’s pure joy watching her little feet pump higher with every push!
6. Hide and Seek Sprints: Yes, This Totally Counts as Interval Training
You hide. She squeals and runs. You chase. She runs faster. You crawl behind the couch. She climbs under the table.
All of a sudden, you’ve been sprinting, crouching, and dodging furniture for 15 minutes. That’s cardio, baby. And it’s FUN. Beats the treadmill any day!
7. Playground Olympics: Monkey Bars, Swings, and Stealthy Squats
Don’t just sit on the bench at the playground – join in! Even if you’re not hanging from the monkey bars (bless anyone who still can), there are TONS of opportunities to squat, climb, and stretch as you help your grandbaby navigate the jungle gym.
Even walking across that bouncy turf surface gives your calves a nice little burn!
8. Blanket Pulls and Wagon Walks: Resistance Training with Bonus Snuggles
Ever tried pulling a toddler around the living room in a blanket like a sled? Or hauling a wagon full of dolls, snacks, and one very happy child down the sidewalk?
That’s resistance training with a giggling sidekick. It’s fun, builds strength, and ends with cuddles – what more could you ask for?!?!
9. Yoga-ish Stretching Sessions: Because “Downward Dog” is a Lifestyle
You haven’t done yoga until you’ve tried it with a toddler climbing your back during downward dog. But honestly? Morning stretches together can be a beautiful ritual.
You’ll get to move, breathe, and maybe even teach your grandbaby a few poses. Or at least giggle when they try “tree pose” and topple over like a sapling in a windstorm!
Whether you’re turtling on the floor, pony-riding across the carpet, or getting an arm workout from pushing a swing, just know this: you’re moving your body in powerful, joyful ways. And that’s what fitness should be!
So next time you’re covered in Goldfish crumbs and wondering if “real” exercise still exists in your life, remember – every giggle, lift, and crawl counts.
You’re not just playing with your grandbabies. You’re crushing grandma fitness goals!
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