Working in the Workouts: Sneaky at its finest

Each week, Debbie will share her goals, challenges, successes and tips on how to fit in fitness when caring for a rambunctious toddler.

Yeah, I know this whole feature is about sneaking in fitness around caring for your little person, but I think I have stumbled upon the sneakiest exercise of all.

In fact, I have been doing this exercise, unbeknownst to both me and my child, since the day he was born.

What is this exercise, you ask? Well, it is probably no newsflash, but carrying your child is building muscle every moment you envelop your sweet love in your arms while standing or walking.

Why am I having this dawning of knowledge now, when Owen is approaching his third birthday? Because that little dumplin' is heavy! Owen is going through a super-clingy phase right now, so I have been carrying him more than ever. I feel it mostly in my forearms and mid-back muscles, but my body knows I have been carrying an extra thirty pounds much more often than I should have to!

Will I wean Owen from my embrace? Not a chance. There will come a day when he won't want to be carried, and that will come too soon for me, so I am going to soak in every cuddle I can get between now and that fateful day. And don't forget about the fringe benefits of muscle-building!