It’s the little things: Dumbells and our one bathroom family

This story begins with our decision to not to add a second full bathroom to our house. With three teenagers, it’s what everyone else seemed to assume we’d do. And while at times I’ve thought it would be a good thing, the truth is it seems excessive. We’re not frugal about everything. For example, we’ve got more than our fair share of bikes in this house. But when it comes to home furnishings and renovations, I find myself looking around at the world at how people live and feeling uncomfortable with how much space and stuff your typical North American family enjoys.

Whenever I see real estate ads for houses with more bathrooms than bedrooms, I’m perplexed. I’m reminded of my elderly neighbour’s comment when her daughter bought such a house, “Guess you’ll never get caught short there.”

We have one full bathroom (a second toilet and vanity downstairs)  and often we wait in the morning for a turn in the shower or bath.

What to do with that time?

I’ve been keeping dumbbells outside the bathroom door. And lately when teenagers yell over the music, “I’ll be out in a minute,” I’ve been lifting. Turns out you can lots of reps in in a teenager’s minute. At the end of that minute, I’m a bit less frazzled for waiting and I’ve had a few minutes of lifting.

I also keep a kettle bell on the back deck for when I’m waiting for the dog. Similar idea.

A friend does planks or burpees while waiting for her coffee to heat in the microwave.

When I hurt my shoulder a couple of years ago, I kept a physio band outside my office door and didn’t go in without doing some of the prescribed exercises.

Sneaking in minutes of movement in the spirit of making my day harder. I’m adding micro-changes in the direction of more movement. Thanks Dr. Mike Evans for this way of thinking about everyday movement.