Your One Stop Shop for All Your Toddler Home Gym Needs
In this article, I’m going to provide you with an awesome, curated list of equipment to build out and customize your very own home gym for a toddler.
While I wouldn’t necessarily proclaim myself to be a gym rat or go so far as to self-label as a fitness fanatic, my husband and I do prioritize a healthy lifestyle by consistently exercising throughout the week. I’ve previously discussed my own fitness journey, mentioning how part of our routine includes daily, and sometimes multiple-times-a-day, neighborhood walks.
So…you know what makes it hard to take neighborhood walks in New Braunfels, TEXAS? Record-breaking, dangerously-high, triple-digit temperatures; extreme UV indices; and migratory, Saharan sands that wreak havoc on our allergies. While I absolutely want to model health and wellness to my toddlers by being active, I want to do it safely. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Toddler Home Gym Inspiration
Consequently, I started thinking about ways to establish a fun “toddler home gym”. Jean Piaget said that play is the work of children…I want Orson and Nova’s play to be the work-out! Sure, they enjoy when Mama pretends to be a dinosaur or a monkey and chases them up and down the hall making funny noises. And they really love our active dance parties.
That’s all well and good, but I also want to set the standard of being intentional about fitness as well. Indeed, it can be fun, something you happen into spontaneously. It’s also important to prioritize and schedule exercise, even when it doesn’t just come about naturally by running around or dancing. A toddler home gym space would be a great way to set the foundation for a healthy, fit lifestyle.
The added benefit of modeling the importance of fitness and exercise? You don’t have to try to squeeze in physical activity around nap times. Or lose precious evening downtime fitting in a workout once you’re already drained. You can make P.E. a time for playful connection with your toddlers! So, extra points if you get some workout equipment for yourself too!
Here’s my fun list of toddler home gym equipment ideas.
Get Pumped
Weight-Lifting for Beefy Babies
Firstly, we love that equipment like this even exists for toddlers. Since we incorporate a lot of weight-training and resistance-type exercises to build strength, these toddler home gym “toys” would allow Orson and Nova to get in on the action! So, check these out and help your little one make them big gains!
Yoga for Your Little Yogis
Because I do enjoy taking the time to slow down and meditate, I want to teach my children to do the same. In fact, yoga would even help improve their mindfulness and emotional regulation, which would so be worth the effort of teaching it to toddlers. It’d also be a fun, intentional physical activity that would bolster connection between this Mamasaur and her babies. Time for some stretching and “magic breathing”.
Gross Motor Gains
Exercise equipment specifically geared toward developing gross motor movement skills is a MUST for a solid toddler home gym. Especially since gross motor movement involves all of the muscles responsible for things like walking, dancing, running, climbing, jumping, balancing. The list goes on! For day-to-day functioning, overall development, building your little one’s skills and confidence, check out this list of toys and tools for your tot.
Time to Set Up Your Toddler Home Gym
In conclusion, if you’ve been wanting to be more intentional about taking care of yourself, and/or you’re wanting to set the example for your kids, now’s the perfect time to start. With a toddler home gym (or at least some toddler-safe options in your preexisting home gym space), you can set the foundation for a healthy, fit lifestyle.
Stay active, my friends!
Did this list inspire you to create your own toddler home gym space? Or do you already have one set up? If so, I want to know about it! Tag me in your toddler home gym photos @the_mamasaur with #swoletots.
If you’re in the New Braunfels area and want to check out some fun active toddler outings, check this out! And here’s a list of some of our favorite parks to get you and your youngster moving outside. Keep hydrated in this heat!