You're busy, I get it. I am a work-from-home mom with three kids age four and under, so I understand what it's like to have to juggle a hundred different things each day. Working out should be a priority, but how do you fit it in when your day is already completely maxed out? It can be hard, but it is also hard when you are out for date night with your significant other and all you can think about is whether or not people can notice your muffin top. These thoughts should not consume us, but as women we know they do. You want to look and feel your best. You want to slip into a pair of jeans and be confident that you look great. Below are 5 tips for fitting in your workout that I have found to be very helpful during this busy season of my life.
- DON'T FEEL GUILTY: This is the first mental hurdle you may have to jump over. As moms we feel guilty if we take a little time to focus on ourselves rather than on our kids. We have to remember that exercise is not a luxury. I have yet to hear a doctor or expert say "skip working out until the kids are older." You are not training for an Iron Man. You are simply creating healthy habits in 20-30 minute increments. And you are setting a positive example for your kids because these are the healthy habits that you want them to duplicate someday. If you work out and feel good about yourself, you are a happier woman and more pleasant to be around. The whole house goes down like the Titanic if mommy is cranky and insecure. So, tune out the cruel voice in your head, and make a positive change.
- Find someone to hold you accountable: You can do this in a group setting or one on one. One of my good friends is my accountability partner. We check in with each other daily and simply report when we work out. Reporting in with my friend keeps me from using my crazy life as an excuse not to exercise because she is expecting to receive my text message with an update. My friend would much rather hear that I sucked it up, figured it out and got my workout in, rather than getting a laundry list of excuses.
- Find quick workout videos: 20-30 minute workouts are great! You can do them from home in your living room or basement. If you hit it hard for that short amount of time, you really don't need much more than that. And let's face it, everyone can find a spare 20-30 minutes.
- Get in a longer workout one or two days per week: This may be a Sunday evening Zumba class, Tuesday night spin class, or a Saturday morning workout in your basement. I try to get to the gym twice per week where I like to start with some strength training, followed by a 45 minute spin class. It's a hard, uninterrupted workout that complements the shorter ones.
- Prep the night before: The morning always goes smoother when I prep the night before. I usually take some time to prep the morning coffee, breakfast and lunch for the kids, and a list of things I want to get done the next day. It usually saves me at least 20 minutes in the morning. That 20 minutes saved is all I need for a quick workout. And, if I am still exercising when the kids get up, I already have their breakfast on the table waiting for them and their lunches packed and ready to go. While I wrap up my workout, they are eating breakfast. Then all I have to do is get them dressed, brush their teeth and hair brushed, and we are out the door. Easy! So, remember to prep the night before.
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