Being a Mom and Exercising
Finding alone time for any mom is difficult, but it is something you have to do to maintain your sanity and your health. Squeezing in a workout in that window is the perfect opportunity to get your body into shape and while you’re doing so, you will also feel better emotionally. Taking care of your body and mind are key to overall well-being. Read on to find more about our best tips for making exercise a reality and a priority.
Rise and Shine
Exercise first thing in the morning while you are still fresh and somewhat awake. That way you will also get in your workout before the kids get up and the day becomes a hassle. If you wait until the end of the day, you will likely find excuses, run out of time or be too tired to move a finger. Researchers in Japan suggest that fat oxidation occurs if exercisers workout before breakfast, so if fat lose is your goal then this is ideal for you. Regardless of what your motivation for exercising is, doing it early in the day will help you get into a good frame of mind, knowing that you have accomplished something great already.
Take Runch
If waking up early is not your thing, you can take runch instead. Running during lunch is a great way to get in a quick workout. You will benefit in many ways: you will get a burst of energy to get you through your day, you will save some calories from not eating an extended mindless lunch, you will be more focus during the second half of your working day and you will motivated to do it again tomorrow!
Swing With Your Kids
Sometimes it’s hard to find alone time as a mom, so in those case, include your kids. Take them to the jungle gym and use that time to workout. You can play along with them and throw in some extra bits of exercises. You can easily run around the playground, use the swings to work your core, do triceps dips off a bench, incline push-ups, step ups, and even pull-ups off the monkey bars. You’ll sweat and bond at the same time.
Do Mini-Workouts
Finding 60 minutes in a chunk can sometimes prove to be a great challenge. So, in these cases break up your time and do mini-workouts of 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Each time you can do different things. You can strength train while the kids are eating; you can work on your abs while the kids are watching a TV show; do some high-intensity interval training (HIIT) when they’re sleeping; you get the idea. Those little burst of energy will add up and pretty soon you will have done your full workout without jeopardizing family time.
Use Class Time
Today’s kids are just as busy as moms are. Use the time that your kids are in classes to workout. Each afternoon activity is at least 45 minutes long which is plenty of time to get a good sweat in. Your kids are either learning a skill or also benefiting from fitness. So take advantage of the time. By the end of the class you will be done. If your kids are too young for extra curricular activities, try naptime or when they go to sleep for the night. During naptime you can either do a home workout using chairs, the floor or your bed as props or pop in a video and exercise to the beat. Alternatively, leave the kids with your partner or a sitter and go for a run or an exercise class.
Final Thought
Exercising is an integral component of getting fit and healthy. It should be a part of your everyday schedule but if it is not, then aim for three times a week of at least 30 minutes each time. Fitting workouts into a busy schedule is hard but not impossible. Your physical and mental health are important and should take priority in your life. Don’t put them on the backburner, plan ahead and schedule those workouts.
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