Whether you have a baby or a teenager, you may be feeling like a circus clown juggling various balls…and sometimes exercise isn’t one of them. I can certainly empathize because after having my kids, the gym was often on the bottom of my to-do lists. I found I was constantly putting everyone’s needs before my own, and it eventually caught up to me. As my body and mind screamed for endorphins, I made the decision to once again make working out a priority. As they say, “life happens,” so some weeks are harder than others, but I figured out some ways to work around those challenging days. They’re included below, with other ideas for busy moms to stay fit.
Have Various Workout Options at Your Fingertips
As previously stated, getting out the door isn’t always easy. Whether it’s because it’s raining, or I can’t get to my workout class, I have a stash of workout DVDs. I can squeeze in a 20 minute workout, and sometimes my preschoolers will do it with me. I actually feel like my kids during their toy rotation because I don’t see the DVD often, but when I do, it feels novel again. In selecting these workouts, I always remember- “do what you love” -that mantra doesn’t just apply to a career!
In addition to my stash, I sign up for a couple of classes here, and a couple of classes there. It’s my fitness smorgasbord to minimize boredom because if I’m bored, I won’t workout. Plus, it provides the opportunity to strengthen new muscle groups.
Eat What You’re Serving Your Kids (If It’s Healthy)
Instead of making my kids mac and cheese then cooking something else for myself, I make sure we’re all eating the same thing. I save a lot of time when I don’t prep a separate meal for myself. For example, for breakfast I’ll make peanut butter and banana smoothies for the whole family. And for lunch, I also have the side dish of fruit or vegetables. Not only does it remind me that I need the nutrients too, but it cuts down the time.
Choose the Right Time of Day
Know what time of day you’re motivated to workout, and accept it. I for one, accepted that I’m not an early bird workout warrior (despite my best efforts). Mid-morning is my “high energy” time that works with my schedule. Knowing this keeps me consistently exercising as I have the motivation, desire, and flexibility. My husband, on the other hand, works out during his lunch hour. He knows when 6 pm rolls around, the gym isn’t going to happen.
Workout While You Play
Let me tell you, mamas, you can get a great workout just by having fun with your kids! I, for one, have two active boys who love to move and appreciate their “mommy time.” I kill two birds with one stone by getting my booty moving while bonding with my boys. If we are indoors, we have dance parties. If we’re outside, we’ll play tag or go for long walks. Just the other day, I saw a mom jogging on our sidewalk with her two little kids running after her. I could tell she was trying to squeeze in a run while letting her kids blow off some steam. It can be a fun way to squeeze in a sweat.
Do Simple “Deskercises”
For those days you can’t even cut out 20 minutes to workout, you can try these simple exercises from the comfort of your desk (or living room). Time Magazine created a great graphic: http://time.com/4019563/exercise-work-desk/
I also recently learned a new arm exercise that you can do while sitting down. It’s called “the prayer” or single chest press. It engages your shoulders, biceps, and pecs. Squeeze your forearms together and hold for 15-30 seconds.
Capitalize on Your Weekends
With 48 non-working hours, the weekends are great opportunities to squeeze in two good workouts. I aim for three workouts per week, and sometimes Saturday and Sunday are my two. Plus, my kids get some quality time with daddy.
Workout as a Family on the Weekends
One of my fondest memories as a little girl was biking the C & O Canal with my parents every Saturday morning. After an hour of pedaling, we would then stop at a restaurant off the path. Not only did we get to spend quality time together, but it contributed to my love for fitness. Now that I have a family of my own, my husband and I routinely take our kids out on the weekends. We hike, bike, ride scooters, or swim.
Despite how busy motherhood can be, it is important (and possible) to maintain your health and fitness. As long as your first step is making it a priority, the rest will fall into place. Making it mine was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made as my family now witnesses a more energetic, happier, and stronger mother!
Guest Post by: Danielle Larkins, Writer and Blogger at typedblog.com
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