Working Out with Toddlers

Have him chase you around the yard! We do this and my kids get very tired FAST but I keep going!!

Kicking a ball back and forth

Throwing a stuffed animal up in the air (really high) - good for your arms.

My almost four year old likes to do jumping jacks, pushups, planks, situps and leg lifts with me.

How much does he weigh? Can you wear him on a walk? Even for 15 minutes, it's like walking with that much in weights strapped to your body!

Otherwise, when he's in the bathtub (with someone else watching), go for a run or do a workout DVD.

i put my daughter on my legs and did crunchs and let her fly in the air kind of. bringing my legs up and holding her there, then i'd lift them as high as i could and let her slide down my legs on the last one and land on my stomach/..tons harder than regular crunches and she would beg throughout the day for M. to exercise

I did a variety of workout dvds when my kids were little, usually 20 to 30 minute focused ones (cardio, toning, yoga) but since you want to be outside that probably doesn't help.
My SIL used to meet up with friends at the local college track. The little ones would play together on the grass in the middle of the track while the moms ran or power walked around it. They always brought toys and snacks to keep the kids entertained. Maybe you could try that!

I'm sure you've already thought of this, and maybe don't want to spend the money, but I'd join a gym with childcare!! Most gyms have 2 hours of childcare per day included in their membership fees. My gym saved my life during the toddler years (plus I actually got a shower almost daily!) Good luck :)

Similar to the track idea, but there are lots of (almost) fully enclosed softball fields in my area. You and your son can run around and you could do the basics - sit-ups/push-ups/lunges/squats while he plays.

(PS - I need to take my own advice!!)

You can try Stroller Strides, it is a class that is taught by moms, for moms, they usually sing songs, and bring puppets, bubbles, balls, etc to keep the kids entertained for the hour you are working out. They all offer the first class free so if it doesn't work out for you , you haven't lost anything. Most stroller strides also do a playgroup after class.