Seven out of ten adults are on the hunt for quick exercises that can be squeezed into their day, as they struggle to find more time to stay fit. On average, parents believe they have around 38 minutes each day that could be utilised for fitness activities in between chores and other tasks. Research discovered that 47% of parents with children under 18 view time spent waiting for food to cook as an ideal opportunity for a micro-workout.
Additionally, 35% suggested they could fit in a quick workout while waiting for the washing to finish. Other opportune moments include brushing their teeth or waiting for the kettle to boil. In the past, nearly four in 10 parents have used household items, such as bags of sugar or mugs, for a quick workout. In response to these findings, Matalan has partnered with fitness legend Mr Motivator to create a range of exercises that busy parents can complete throughout their day.
Dubbed the 'Daily Dozen', the 12-move routine includes a water bottle bicep curl, laundry basket upright row, and a dining chair squat. "We all have the same 24 hours in a day, it's just a matter of learning how to use them most effectively," said the fitness guru. "It may not sound like much, but even one single minute of activity can make a real difference.". He added: "The good thing about exercise is, it builds up you start with one minute, then you find yourself going up to five, and before long you're picking up some really healthy habits.".
The study found that parents prefer working out at home as 71% say they are too tired to fit in a full workout elsewhere, due to their busy schedules. Parents also say their home is their 'comfort zone' and 48% believe doing exercise around other tasks will help them fit in in on a daily basis. Matalan's spokesperson added: "Parents often prioritise their families over themselves, but even a few minutes of physical activity can recharge the mind and body.".
