To all the super moms who want to stay fit but have little time or energy to do it, this article is for you.
We all know the struggle. Between endless to-do lists, tiny humans with limitless energy and the ever-present feeling of being stretched thin, prioritizing our own well-being can feel like a self care item that’s always at the bottom of the to-do list.
But here’s the secret: taking care of yourself, even in small ways, is the key to being the best version of yourself for your family.
The good news? You don’t need a gym membership or hours of free time to stay fit.
Here are some simple tips to sneak fitness into your busy mom life and get fit on a busy schedule.
Easy Ways To Stay Fit As A Busy Mom
Embrace the Mini-Workout: Forget hour-long gym sessions. Aim for shorter bursts of activity throughout the day that are doable and fit into your schedule. Do some squats while waiting for the kettle to boil, do a 10-minute YouTube cardio workout or squeeze in a quick plank session while your little one naps. Don’t feel like you need to do a long workout to get results.
20 minutes a day of activity is recommended, no matter when or how you do it!
Use A Standing Desk: If you have a job where you sit in front of a computer all day, order a standing desk to burn more calories while you work while stretching your legs and back.
Turn Errands into Adventures: Ditch the car for walks or bike rides whenever possible. Need groceries? Strap the baby into the stroller and make it a power walk. Park further away at the store and turn the walk to the entrance into a mini-cardio session.
Make Exercise Fun: If hiking through the hills or running on a treadmill don’t get you excited to move your body, find something that does. Dance aerobics, jazzercise, biking through the neighborhood, find something active you enjoy doing to motivate you.
Create A Fitness Playlist: Personally, I love listening to music to get me moving. Create your custom playlist via Spotify or YouTube and get your booty shaking.
Playtime Is Exercise Time: Get down on the floor and play with your kids! Chasing toddlers, building forts and even dance parties are all fantastic ways to get your heart rate up and burn some calories. Bonus points for making silly faces and infectious laughter – it’s good for the soul too!
Make it A Family Affair: Involve your family in your fitness routine. Take a family yoga class, go for a hike together, or have a dance competition in the living room. Not only will everyone get some exercise, but you’ll also create fun memories together.
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Team Up With Others: Finding a support group to talk about issues or share new tips to stay fit as a busy mom. Having support can help you maintain your fitness goals and learn new ones.
Try A Fitness Tracker: Fitness trackers are a great way to track calories burned and steps taken. View your baseline calorie burn and steps each day and work towards increasing those numbers over time by adding in more daily activity one step at a time.
Use Free Online Resources: There’s a wealth of free fitness resources online. Find quick workouts on YouTube tailored for busy schedules. Many fitness apps offer bodyweight exercises you can do at home, with no equipment needed.
Prioritize Sleep: It might sound counterintuitive, but sleep is essential for energy levels and overall well-being. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night and ditch the devices an hour before bed – no buts! A well-rested mom is a more energized mom!
Listen to Your Body: Don’t push yourself too hard, especially when you’re feeling exhausted. Aim for activities you enjoy and don’t be afraid to modify exercises to suit your fitness level.
Celebrate Every Victory: Be proud of yourself for taking care of yourself! Every step you take towards a healthier lifestyle is a win. Reward yourself for reaching small goals, whether it’s a new healthy recipe you mastered or a week of consistent activity. Most importantly, don’t let setbacks stop you from getting fit. Missed a workout yesterday? So what! Today is another day for you to add movement and activity into your day.
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