Laurie Hernandez on Her Sister’s Parenting Hustle

Laurie Hernandez knows a thing or two about disciplined movement, but even she was surprised by the sheer intensity of the “invisible workouts” parents do daily. 

Teaming up with Quaker, the former Olympic gymnast is helping bring national attention to the physical and emotional load parents carry behind the scenes—those fast-paced moments that never make it onto a fitness tracker. 

Watching her own sister navigate the nonstop demands of motherhood made the campaign feel especially personal for Hernandez. She’s seen the early-morning scrambles and the physical hustle that comes with caring for a little one, and those moments shaped the way she approached this project. 

Hernandez says witnessing her sister’s daily routine opened her eyes to just how much strength and stamina parenting requires, making her even more passionate about helping shine a light on the effort so many families give without recognition.

Ahead, Hernandez tells Life & Style about why the project resonated with her, what she learned after trying some of these “workouts” herself, and the surprising travel hack she swears by.

Q: So, you’re partnering with Quaker Oats for their new Invisible Workouts campaign. What drew you to this project?

A: I grew up with Quaker Oats and have always loved their products, and this message truly resonates with me. Parents give so much of themselves every single day, and their efforts deserve to be recognized. I see it firsthand with my sister. She’s constantly alert, ready to leap across a room and scoop up her son in an instant. It’s genuinely impressive, and it deserves to be celebrated.

Q: This campaign highlights the “invisible workouts” parents do every morning. After stepping into those routines yourself, what did you learn?

A: It honestly gave me a deeper appreciation for everything my parents did for me growing up. I never fully realized it at the time, but looking back, it was a tremendous amount of work. My mom was constantly running around the house, helping me track down everything I needed for gymnastics, from lifting boxes to searching through piles of leotards just to find the exact one I wanted. It really highlighted how much physical effort goes into being a parent. Unlike a workout that ends after an hour, being a parent is all day, every day, without a break.

Q: Was there anything that completely surprised you while filming the Quaker segments?

A: Honestly, so much of it! The content was super fun to film, and I think it really highlighted the physical activity parents put in every single day, which we don’t even notice. It genuinely surprised me that this kind of recognition isn’t already reflected in fitness trackers. 

Q: Quaker is pushing for fitness trackers to add a “parenting mode.” Can you explain the petition and why it matters?

A: I think the petition matters because it brings attention to the recognition parents truly deserve for the work they put in every day. They’re constantly on the move, and they should be able to track that effort. I’m sure fitness trackers already pick up elevated heart rates and activity spikes, but those moments often come simply from the demands of parenting. That’s exactly why parents should be able to track everything, because it is real, meaningful activity.

Q: As an athlete, how do you think acknowledging everyday movement—like these invisible workouts—can shift how people view health and activity?

A: I think this kind of recognition is important because it reminds people that we’re all engaging in physical activity throughout the day. Even if it doesn’t feel like a traditional workout, it still counts as meaningful movement. Shifting to this mindset can help anyone realize that beyond a high-intensity session or a structured class, you can still experience the benefits—every bit of daily activity makes a difference.

Q: You also got hands-on with some of these parenting tasks. Which routine felt like the biggest workout to you?

A: The first routine we did was running up and down the stairs trying to find the soccer cleats, and that hit me right away. It really showed how these everyday moments, just trying to get out the door, can feel like a workout.

Q: And was there an “invisible workout” that totally caught you off guard?

A: What really caught me off guard was just how constant the movement and workout is. I was sprinting up and down the stairs, looking through kids’ clothing, bending down and picking up items to clean up the house as I go, and back upstairs to grab the pump. All of that effort was just to get one kid ready, so I can only imagine the kind of workout it becomes when you’re juggling multiple kids and schedules at the same time.

Q: Parents often feel like their daily routines go unnoticed. What message do you hope this campaign sends to them?

A: I hope this helps parents feel truly recognized for everything they do each day. It made me think about my parents and how much effort they put in finding my leotard, getting me out the door, and making sure I made it to practice. I realize now how much love and work went into those moments.

Q: Fueling up is a huge part of performing at your level. Which Quaker products do you rely on most during busy training days?

A: I love the Quaker Protein Instant Oatmeal and the Quaker Protein Granola Bars. They have 10–12 grams of protein per serving and are such a convenient, easy option that still helps me get the nutrients I need.

Q: Do you have any quick breakfast hacks or favorite snack ideas when you’re on the go?

A: When I’m flying, I love to bring Quaker Protein Instant Oatmeal, and when the flight attendant asks if I want a drink, I ask for hot water and make my own oatmeal. It’s been one of my go-to hacks that I’ve done ever since I was little, and it’s so comforting and delicious to have that while traveling.

Q: You’ve talked before about your evolving relationship with nutrition. How has that shaped the way you fuel yourself now?

A: One of the reasons I love Quaker Protein products is that they’ve always fueled my active lifestyle as an athlete, and they continue to keep me energized today as a student. I grew up with the brand, and it’s always been a reliable part of my daily routine.

Q: After experiencing these routines firsthand, if gymnastics had its own “invisible workout” event, what would it be?

A: If gymnastics had its own “invisible workout” event, I’d say moving mats around the gym. Having to set up an event for drills, assignments, it is so incredibly tedious! Taping an ankle comes in second.