6 ways to stretch while doing housework

Many days now, I can make it to the gym while the kids play in the childcare and I can get a good 20-40 minute workout in. But I hardly ever fit in stretching, because my mommy instincts kick in and I can hardly stand to leave the kids any longer. I had the brilliant idea, hey, I bet I could stretch my sore body while doing housework! But scour Pinterest and Google as I might, I just couldn't find a good source for doing it. Here is my own compilation of good stretching while doing housework:

1. Up from table, down from table: I find myself barely sitting down at mealtimes. Stand up to get a pitcher from the fridge, sit down to cut a child's dinner. Stand up to get a towel to wipe up spilled water, squat down to wipe up the spill. And on. These up-down moments are good times to do one of the following three stretches:

• Picking something up: Bend over and touch toes 
• Squatting to pick something up: Squat stretch, lengthens pelvic muscles 

2. Playing with kids: A large part of a mother's day is playing with kids. My most effective playtimes with kids is when I get off the couch (usually not prego for this) and I sit on the floor. An extra perk is that I can fit in a little stretch as I play! Do one of these the next time you're on the floor with your kids!

• Seated Trunk Twist: Stretch your legs out and twist to one side, then the other as you look to see Junior's new creation or to keep an eye on the toddler. 

3. In the shower, as you hurriedly get clean, take an extra second after shampooing your hair to stretch your arms. Doing this quick stretch, 20 seconds max, will help stretch your shoulders.

4. Surf It (Yoga while you Vaccuum): As you vaccuum, build greater balance and leg strength while stretching your hamstrings and producing a clean carpet. 

Courtesy of http://calidiet.com/yoga-while-you-do-housework-absolutely/

5. Another relaxing stretch, yet great for your hamstrings as well: Legs up the wall. This is great for a time out (maybe for Mommy, if you need it, or for sitting alongside a naughty child who needs some attention even while sitting in the corner):

  

6. Stretch hamstrings while smiling at baby, picking up a pile of toys, or wiping a spot off the (endlessly) dirty kitchen floor.

Motherhood is full of bending, twisting and turning. Make stretching a priority and you will feel better as you get down with the kids and as you clean the house!