By: Jamie Harper
Updated: Feb. 12, 2021
Originally Published: Jan. 12, 2017
Happy New Year, fellow parents! It’s that exhilarating time again when many of us try to ditch the junk food and bad habits in pursuit of shedding those holiday pounds. But let’s be real—it’s tough. Parenting makes it even harder.
Any attempt at exercise gets interrupted by little ones demanding attention, and healthy eating feels impossible when faced with neglected plates of chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. We’re already worn out just trying to keep up with life, yet somehow we’re expected to hit the gym regularly? Parents definitely have a unique struggle, and no one captures that like the humorous community on Twitter.
- Absolutely.
As I get older, this becomes more frequent. At this rate, I should be a size two by 40! - *Devours chips*
Those little ones are always on the move. It’s practically a genius plan to use them as a distraction. - Why didn’t we think of this sooner?
That annoying exercise ball in the corner just mocks me with the workouts I’m not doing. Let’s have some fun instead—at the kids’ expense! - Stop it, it’s heavy!
Oh, you don’t get winded carrying a mountain of laundry upstairs? Look who thinks they’re Jillian Michaels. - Eye roll.
If you have some “me time” and opt for the gym over an entire tray of brownies and a good book, I’m not sure we can be friends. - So helpful!
It’s super fun to have tiny humans poking your back fat while you sweat. Not! - Stealth mode activated.
This definitely counts as a workout; the stress alone is calorie-burning! - Wrap it up.
The only thing worse than a naked grandparent sharing their stretching routine? A naked kid discussing Pokémon. - Diets are tough.
But hey, we must get those carbs in, right? - Truth.
Just engage those glutes while picking up wrappers—now that’s a solid workout! - Putting on socks is a struggle, though.
Even when I’m in my best shape, socks are my nemesis, so that counts as cardio! - Torture.
You thought that tough trainer at the gym was hard? Meet the relentless preschoolers. - Is it 1000? Please say it’s 1000!
Cute workout gear definitely enhances the calorie burn. Science says so! - Foolproof method.
When you only get the leftovers, you’re bound to slim down. Just grin and bear it through the backwash. - Check that off the list!
Bonus points if you swing your arms while holding it in. - My kind of exercise.
Every little bit helps—consume 3000 calories, then burn 300. Math works! - Sounds about right.
Pretty sure my fitness tracker has been under my car seat since last February. Sigh. - They never give up!
Toss in a few sit-ups, and you’ve got a legit power workout. Cardio, strength, and core—all in one! - Quiet, child!
They just don’t understand your struggles. Trying to win your office step contest is the most exciting thing happening in your life right now. - An actual obstacle course.
Good luck out there, parents!
This piece was initially published on Jan. 12, 2017.
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In summary, parenting presents a unique set of challenges when it comes to maintaining a fitness routine. With a dash of humor, these tweets capture the reality of what exercise looks like for many parents today.