Directions

Ingredients

5 Reasons Exercise Makes You a Better Parent

For some of us, exercise can be a real drag. We’re only running if a bear is chasing us. For others, exercise is a necessity that keeps us sane. 

Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, you’ll want to know what exercise can do for you as a parent. Here are five expert-vetted reasons exercise makes you a better parent.

1) Exercise helps your brain keep up with your kids‍

There are hundreds of peer-reviewed studies that have not only shown a strong link between exercise and brain health, but also have identified how this link works. 

First, exercise increases blood flow to the brain and improves blood flow for days after a workout. 

Second, it actually increases the size of your brain! 

Third, it releases hormones that help make new brain cell connections.

Finally, it reduces chronic inflammation in the brain. The better we can get our brain to work, the easier it will be to keep up with the never-ending demands of parenting, from helping with homework to talking through friend drama. 

2) Exercise is nature’s mood booster

Exercise is now a regular evidence-based recommendation for patients with depression and anxiety. 

The reasons exercise reduces depression and anxiety vary from molecular changes to brain structure changes to positive mental distraction. 

Regardless of the reason, the research shows that more exercise = more smiles. And more smiles = more connection with the family.

3) Exercise fights fatigue 

Did you use to think that after your child started sleeping through the night, you wouldn’t be so exhausted? Ha! This parenting grind just keeps going! 

Quite counterintuitively, however, exerting ourselves even more might help with the exhaustion. 

Studies have shown that low to moderate physical activity reduces fatigue and improves energy levels in a wide variety of contexts, from healthy adults to pregnant women, from multiple sclerosis patients to cancer survivors. 

4) Your exercising influences your kids’ levels of activity

Studies have found that kids are more likely to exercise when parents exercise. This could be because parents visibly exercising creates an environment that normalizes vigorous activity. When it becomes a regular part of life, exercise is “just what we do.” 

Because nagging and controlling kids to exercise doesn't work that well (at least in this study), simply exercising in front of them regularly might be the easiest and most effective way to get them moving. 

It’s not easy but if it’s possible, finding ways to include kids in parents' workouts can be ideal.

5) Getting fit now keeps you ready for grandparenting 

The reason why old people lose muscle and don’t move that well is not because aging necessarily tears you down, says Menno Henselmans, a well-regarded strength and fitness coach. It’s because people stop exercising (or at least moving a lot) as they get older. 

If we continue to exercise, we’ll keep and even build muscle and stay relatively fit well into old age. 

Genes play a role but a much smaller role than regular exercise! Plan for grandkids today by developing an exercise routine that works for the long haul.

5 Reasons Exercise Makes You a Better Parent

Directions

Ingredients

Close
Theme icon

Podcast /

Content /

Embody

5 Reasons Exercise Makes You a Better Parent

We all know that exercise is good for our bodies and minds, but did you know that it can benefit our kids as well? Find out how!

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

May 4, 2021

Join The Family Thrive community and download the mobile app, all for free!

JOIN TODAY

Key takeaways

1

Exercise keeps your brain young enough to keep up with your kids

2

Exercise transforms your mood

3

Your exercising influences your kids’ levels of activity

Printer-friendly
Print
Printer-friendly

Font size

Low hassle, high nutrition

Fierce Food: Easy

Fierce Food: Easy

50/50 mixes of powerful veggies and starchy favorites

Fierce Food: Balance

Fierce Food: Balance

Maximize nutrients, minimize sugar and starch

Fierce Food: Power

Fierce Food: Power

Ingredients

Kitchen Equipment

Ingredient Replacement

View replacement list (PDF)

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

for Subscribers

More details

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

Reading time:

5 minutes

For some of us, exercise can be a real drag. We’re only running if a bear is chasing us. For others, exercise is a necessity that keeps us sane. 

Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, you’ll want to know what exercise can do for you as a parent. Here are five expert-vetted reasons exercise makes you a better parent.

1) Exercise helps your brain keep up with your kids‍

There are hundreds of peer-reviewed studies that have not only shown a strong link between exercise and brain health, but also have identified how this link works. 

First, exercise increases blood flow to the brain and improves blood flow for days after a workout. 

Second, it actually increases the size of your brain! 

Third, it releases hormones that help make new brain cell connections.

Finally, it reduces chronic inflammation in the brain. The better we can get our brain to work, the easier it will be to keep up with the never-ending demands of parenting, from helping with homework to talking through friend drama. 

2) Exercise is nature’s mood booster

Exercise is now a regular evidence-based recommendation for patients with depression and anxiety. 

The reasons exercise reduces depression and anxiety vary from molecular changes to brain structure changes to positive mental distraction. 

Regardless of the reason, the research shows that more exercise = more smiles. And more smiles = more connection with the family.

3) Exercise fights fatigue 

Did you use to think that after your child started sleeping through the night, you wouldn’t be so exhausted? Ha! This parenting grind just keeps going! 

Quite counterintuitively, however, exerting ourselves even more might help with the exhaustion. 

Studies have shown that low to moderate physical activity reduces fatigue and improves energy levels in a wide variety of contexts, from healthy adults to pregnant women, from multiple sclerosis patients to cancer survivors. 

4) Your exercising influences your kids’ levels of activity

Studies have found that kids are more likely to exercise when parents exercise. This could be because parents visibly exercising creates an environment that normalizes vigorous activity. When it becomes a regular part of life, exercise is “just what we do.” 

Because nagging and controlling kids to exercise doesn't work that well (at least in this study), simply exercising in front of them regularly might be the easiest and most effective way to get them moving. 

It’s not easy but if it’s possible, finding ways to include kids in parents' workouts can be ideal.

5) Getting fit now keeps you ready for grandparenting 

The reason why old people lose muscle and don’t move that well is not because aging necessarily tears you down, says Menno Henselmans, a well-regarded strength and fitness coach. It’s because people stop exercising (or at least moving a lot) as they get older. 

If we continue to exercise, we’ll keep and even build muscle and stay relatively fit well into old age. 

Genes play a role but a much smaller role than regular exercise! Plan for grandkids today by developing an exercise routine that works for the long haul.

For some of us, exercise can be a real drag. We’re only running if a bear is chasing us. For others, exercise is a necessity that keeps us sane. 

Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, you’ll want to know what exercise can do for you as a parent. Here are five expert-vetted reasons exercise makes you a better parent.

1) Exercise helps your brain keep up with your kids‍

There are hundreds of peer-reviewed studies that have not only shown a strong link between exercise and brain health, but also have identified how this link works. 

First, exercise increases blood flow to the brain and improves blood flow for days after a workout. 

Second, it actually increases the size of your brain! 

Third, it releases hormones that help make new brain cell connections.

Finally, it reduces chronic inflammation in the brain. The better we can get our brain to work, the easier it will be to keep up with the never-ending demands of parenting, from helping with homework to talking through friend drama. 

2) Exercise is nature’s mood booster

Exercise is now a regular evidence-based recommendation for patients with depression and anxiety. 

The reasons exercise reduces depression and anxiety vary from molecular changes to brain structure changes to positive mental distraction. 

Regardless of the reason, the research shows that more exercise = more smiles. And more smiles = more connection with the family.

3) Exercise fights fatigue 

Did you use to think that after your child started sleeping through the night, you wouldn’t be so exhausted? Ha! This parenting grind just keeps going! 

Quite counterintuitively, however, exerting ourselves even more might help with the exhaustion. 

Studies have shown that low to moderate physical activity reduces fatigue and improves energy levels in a wide variety of contexts, from healthy adults to pregnant women, from multiple sclerosis patients to cancer survivors. 

4) Your exercising influences your kids’ levels of activity

Studies have found that kids are more likely to exercise when parents exercise. This could be because parents visibly exercising creates an environment that normalizes vigorous activity. When it becomes a regular part of life, exercise is “just what we do.” 

Because nagging and controlling kids to exercise doesn't work that well (at least in this study), simply exercising in front of them regularly might be the easiest and most effective way to get them moving. 

It’s not easy but if it’s possible, finding ways to include kids in parents' workouts can be ideal.

5) Getting fit now keeps you ready for grandparenting 

The reason why old people lose muscle and don’t move that well is not because aging necessarily tears you down, says Menno Henselmans, a well-regarded strength and fitness coach. It’s because people stop exercising (or at least moving a lot) as they get older. 

If we continue to exercise, we’ll keep and even build muscle and stay relatively fit well into old age. 

Genes play a role but a much smaller role than regular exercise! Plan for grandkids today by developing an exercise routine that works for the long haul.

For some of us, exercise can be a real drag. We’re only running if a bear is chasing us. For others, exercise is a necessity that keeps us sane. 

Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, you’ll want to know what exercise can do for you as a parent. Here are five expert-vetted reasons exercise makes you a better parent.

1) Exercise helps your brain keep up with your kids‍

There are hundreds of peer-reviewed studies that have not only shown a strong link between exercise and brain health, but also have identified how this link works. 

First, exercise increases blood flow to the brain and improves blood flow for days after a workout. 

Second, it actually increases the size of your brain! 

Third, it releases hormones that help make new brain cell connections.

Finally, it reduces chronic inflammation in the brain. The better we can get our brain to work, the easier it will be to keep up with the never-ending demands of parenting, from helping with homework to talking through friend drama. 

2) Exercise is nature’s mood booster

Exercise is now a regular evidence-based recommendation for patients with depression and anxiety. 

The reasons exercise reduces depression and anxiety vary from molecular changes to brain structure changes to positive mental distraction. 

Regardless of the reason, the research shows that more exercise = more smiles. And more smiles = more connection with the family.

3) Exercise fights fatigue 

Did you use to think that after your child started sleeping through the night, you wouldn’t be so exhausted? Ha! This parenting grind just keeps going! 

Quite counterintuitively, however, exerting ourselves even more might help with the exhaustion. 

Studies have shown that low to moderate physical activity reduces fatigue and improves energy levels in a wide variety of contexts, from healthy adults to pregnant women, from multiple sclerosis patients to cancer survivors. 

4) Your exercising influences your kids’ levels of activity

Studies have found that kids are more likely to exercise when parents exercise. This could be because parents visibly exercising creates an environment that normalizes vigorous activity. When it becomes a regular part of life, exercise is “just what we do.” 

Because nagging and controlling kids to exercise doesn't work that well (at least in this study), simply exercising in front of them regularly might be the easiest and most effective way to get them moving. 

It’s not easy but if it’s possible, finding ways to include kids in parents' workouts can be ideal.

5) Getting fit now keeps you ready for grandparenting 

The reason why old people lose muscle and don’t move that well is not because aging necessarily tears you down, says Menno Henselmans, a well-regarded strength and fitness coach. It’s because people stop exercising (or at least moving a lot) as they get older. 

If we continue to exercise, we’ll keep and even build muscle and stay relatively fit well into old age. 

Genes play a role but a much smaller role than regular exercise! Plan for grandkids today by developing an exercise routine that works for the long haul.

Enjoying this? Subscribe to The Family Thrive for more healthy recipes, video classes, and more.

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

Discover Nourish

See more
5 Reasons Exercise Makes You a Better Parent

Podcast

Condimentum eu tortor bibendum.

By

Jackie Kovic

5 Reasons Exercise Makes You a Better Parent

Podcast

Condimentum eu tortor bibendum.

By

Jackie Kovic

Podcast

Condimentum eu tortor bibendum.

By

Jackie Kovic

Pumpkin Protein Smoothie

Podcast

Pumpkin Protein Smoothie

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

Delicata Squash Tacos

Podcast

Delicata Squash Tacos

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

Lemon Zucchini Bread

Podcast

Lemon Zucchini Bread

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

Thai-Style Curried Pumpkin Soup

Podcast

Thai-Style Curried Pumpkin Soup

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

Podcast Ep. 21: Thriving Through the Teen Years with Jena Curtis, EdD, and Vanessa Baker, Parent-Teen Relationship Coach

Podcast

Podcast Ep. 21: Thriving Through the Teen Years with Jena Curtis, EdD, and Vanessa Baker, Parent-Teen Relationship Coach

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

Parenting Is the Spiritual Practice the World Needs Right Now

Podcast

Parenting Is the Spiritual Practice the World Needs Right Now

By

Justin Wilford, PhD

New Research: One science-backed trick for parents to build stronger muscles

Podcast

New Research: One science-backed trick for parents to build stronger muscles

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research: Parent intimacy may reduce adolescent depression

Podcast

New Research: Parent intimacy may reduce adolescent depression

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research: High-carb meals activate brain areas associated with addiction and hunger

Podcast

New Research: High-carb meals activate brain areas associated with addiction and hunger

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research Tuesday: One More Reason to Avoid Pop Tarts, Cheez-Its, and Other Processed Snacks

Podcast

New Research Tuesday: One More Reason to Avoid Pop Tarts, Cheez-Its, and Other Processed Snacks

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Pumpkin Protein Smoothie

Recipes

Pumpkin Protein Smoothie

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

Delicata Squash Tacos

Recipes

Delicata Squash Tacos

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

Lemon Zucchini Bread

Recipes

Lemon Zucchini Bread

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

Thai-Style Curried Pumpkin Soup

Recipes

Thai-Style Curried Pumpkin Soup

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

Podcast Ep. 21: Thriving Through the Teen Years with Jena Curtis, EdD, and Vanessa Baker, Parent-Teen Relationship Coach

Podcasts

Podcast Ep. 21: Thriving Through the Teen Years with Jena Curtis, EdD, and Vanessa Baker, Parent-Teen Relationship Coach

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

Parenting Is the Spiritual Practice the World Needs Right Now

Pro Perspective

Parenting Is the Spiritual Practice the World Needs Right Now

By

Justin Wilford, PhD

New Research: One science-backed trick for parents to build stronger muscles

New Research Tuesday

New Research: One science-backed trick for parents to build stronger muscles

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research: Parent intimacy may reduce adolescent depression

New Research Tuesday

New Research: Parent intimacy may reduce adolescent depression

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research: High-carb meals activate brain areas associated with addiction and hunger

New Research Tuesday

New Research: High-carb meals activate brain areas associated with addiction and hunger

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research Tuesday: One More Reason to Avoid Pop Tarts, Cheez-Its, and Other Processed Snacks

New Research Tuesday

New Research Tuesday: One More Reason to Avoid Pop Tarts, Cheez-Its, and Other Processed Snacks

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Subscribe to get all the goods

Continue the conversation with other families and our wellness experts on our social platform.

Join the app for free

More Nourish content

Embody
/
Flourish
/
Connect
Give This a Try: Low-Sugar Sweet-Treats

Podcast

Give This a Try: Low-Sugar Sweet-Treats

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research: Micronutrients in colorful fruits & vegetables linked to improved brain health

Podcast

New Research: Micronutrients in colorful fruits & vegetables linked to improved brain health

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Meet The Family Thrive Experts: Alexia Hall, RDN

Podcast

Meet The Family Thrive Experts: Alexia Hall, RDN

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Podcast Ep. 11: Feeding Kids From Infancy Through Adulthood With Tiffani Ghere, RD, CSP, CLEC

Podcast

Podcast Ep. 11: Feeding Kids From Infancy Through Adulthood With Tiffani Ghere, RD, CSP, CLEC

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

5 Things Friday: 5 Mood-Boosting Practices for Busy Parents

Podcast

5 Things Friday: 5 Mood-Boosting Practices for Busy Parents

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Mushroom Ramen With Shirataki Noodles

Podcast

Mushroom Ramen With Shirataki Noodles

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

One Big Idea: Net Carbs

Podcast

One Big Idea: Net Carbs

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

5 Best Sugar Alternatives

Podcast

5 Best Sugar Alternatives

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Remix: Chef Andrew’s Vietnamese Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Podcast

Remix: Chef Andrew’s Vietnamese Chicken Lettuce Wraps

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

Level Up Your Parent Communication Skills #2: Curiosity

Podcast

Level Up Your Parent Communication Skills #2: Curiosity

By

Alicia Wuth, PsyD and Justin Wilford, PhD

More Embody content

Nourish
/
Flourish
/
Connect
New Research: One science-backed trick for parents to build stronger muscles

Podcast

New Research: One science-backed trick for parents to build stronger muscles

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Give This a Try: Power Napping for Parents

Podcast

Give This a Try: Power Napping for Parents

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Podcast Ep. 3: It’s Time to Have “The Talk” With Gender and Sexuality Expert Jena Curtis, EdD

Podcast

Podcast Ep. 3: It’s Time to Have “The Talk” With Gender and Sexuality Expert Jena Curtis, EdD

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

How I Make Sure I'm the Best Parent Researcher I Can Be

Podcast

How I Make Sure I'm the Best Parent Researcher I Can Be

By

Justin Wilford, PhD

Pod Wisdom: The Health and Wellness Benefits of Sage

Podcast

Pod Wisdom: The Health and Wellness Benefits of Sage

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

Give This a Try: 4 AM Anxiety Meditation

Podcast

Give This a Try: 4 AM Anxiety Meditation

By

The Family Thrive Expert TTeam

Doctor Dad: Why I’m Committed to My Family’s Dinner Time

Podcast

Doctor Dad: Why I’m Committed to My Family’s Dinner Time

By

Colin Champ, MD

Meet The Family Thrive Experts: Jena Curtis, EdD

Podcast

Meet The Family Thrive Experts: Jena Curtis, EdD

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

5 Things Friday: 5 Mood-Boosting Practices for Busy Parents

Podcast

5 Things Friday: 5 Mood-Boosting Practices for Busy Parents

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

5 Reasons Exercise Makes You a Better Parent

Podcast

5 Reasons Exercise Makes You a Better Parent

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

More Flourish content

Nourish
/
Embody
/
Connect
Give This a Try: 4-7-8 Breathing

Podcast

Give This a Try: 4-7-8 Breathing

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Podcast Ep. 12: Learning How to Build More Authentic Family Relationships with Ryel Kestano

Podcast

Podcast Ep. 12: Learning How to Build More Authentic Family Relationships with Ryel Kestano

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

5 Research-Backed Practices For Feeling More Positive Emotions

Podcast

5 Research-Backed Practices For Feeling More Positive Emotions

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Video Games & Kids: The Benefits, the Downsides, and What Parents Should Really Be Concerned About

Podcast

Video Games & Kids: The Benefits, the Downsides, and What Parents Should Really Be Concerned About

By

Nadia Torres-Eaton, PsyD and Justin Wilford, PhD

How to Cry Like a Real Dad

Podcast

How to Cry Like a Real Dad

By

Justin Wilford, PhD

One Big Idea: The OPEN Method

Podcast

One Big Idea: The OPEN Method

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Pod Wisdom: What Parents Should Know About Highly Sensitive People (HSPs)

Podcast

Pod Wisdom: What Parents Should Know About Highly Sensitive People (HSPs)

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

Why This Pediatric Dietitian Is Praising Chrissy Teigen’s Stigma-Busting Tweets

Podcast

Why This Pediatric Dietitian Is Praising Chrissy Teigen’s Stigma-Busting Tweets

By

Tiffani Ghere, Pediatric Dietician, Certified Lactation Educator

One Big Idea: Shadow Values

Podcast

One Big Idea: Shadow Values

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research: Parent intimacy may reduce adolescent depression

Podcast

New Research: Parent intimacy may reduce adolescent depression

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

More Connect content

Nourish
/
Embody
/
Flourish
5 Things Friday: 5 Signs Your Life Partnership Is on the Right Track

Podcast

5 Things Friday: 5 Signs Your Life Partnership Is on the Right Track

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Level Up Your Parent Communication Skills #2: Curiosity

Podcast

Level Up Your Parent Communication Skills #2: Curiosity

By

Alicia Wuth, PsyD and Justin Wilford, PhD

Mastering the Meltdown: The Cereal Offender

Podcast

Mastering the Meltdown: The Cereal Offender

By

Alicia Wuth, PsyD and Alyssa Stewart

New Research: When Parents Back Off, Kids Become Resilient

Podcast

New Research: When Parents Back Off, Kids Become Resilient

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

5 Communication Skills That Will Boost Your Partnership

Podcast

5 Communication Skills That Will Boost Your Partnership

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

5 of Our Favorite Subscription Boxes for Kids

Podcast

5 of Our Favorite Subscription Boxes for Kids

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Why Did We Create The Family Thrive?

Podcast

Why Did We Create The Family Thrive?

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Cheat Sheet: Gender and Sexuality 101 from Professor Jena Curtis

Podcast

Cheat Sheet: Gender and Sexuality 101 from Professor Jena Curtis

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Pod Wisdom: 3 Ways to Radically Transform Your Relationship With Your Teenager

Podcast

Pod Wisdom: 3 Ways to Radically Transform Your Relationship With Your Teenager

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

Ask the Experts: Should my Teen Have a Cellphone?

Podcast

Ask the Experts: Should my Teen Have a Cellphone?

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Join for free
Login
Join the app today
AboutFAQContact
Join the app today
Type
Recipes
WorkshopsOur CommunityThe Magazine
AboutFAQContact
Submission Guidelines  Terms and Conditions   Privacy policy  Copyright © 2021,The Family Thrive. All rights reserved. Designed with love by Good Kind