8 Best Ways to Work out If You’re A Busy Mom
Are you a busy mom who would love to reap the benefits of working out? Moms struggle to find the time and energy to exercise. That’s why it’s a great idea to integrate exercise into your day. I have good news. There are ways to work out if you’re a busy mom.
Exercise is crucial for every single person that cares about their health. Moms often deal with expectations from others to look their best, despite having too much on their plate. So if you’re a busy mom who wants to work out more frequently, it’s important to do so on your own terms.
By being intentional about exercise, you will feel better, have more energy throughout the day, be in a better mood, and be a better version of yourself for your family. It’s worth the gift to you and them! To make things easier for you, here are the best ways to work out if you’re a busy mom.
1. Create Your Own Routine
Usually, people exercise either every day or 2-3 times a week. Since you probably have a lot to do, come up with your own routine that will actually work for you. You might want to exercise on Mondays and Fridays only, or maybe use weekends instead. Remember that there are no rules, so feel free to come up with a schedule that you’ll be able to commit to.
I know what moms think when they see this word, but consistency is the key. Consistency builds confidence, and all who are involved thrive on consistency. Over time, you will see your small consistent efforts pay off and know that it is all worth it.
Related Article: How To Create A Routine That Works For Your Family
2. Use Exercise As Stress Relief
Stress and motherhood go hand in hand, therefore, using exercise as stress relief can be a great way motivate yourself. This can be especially beneficial if you’re a stay-at-home mom who needs some healthy stress relief.
Exercise reduces stress hormones and stimulates the production of endorphins which help you to relax. Exercising regularly can have a positive effect on your mood by relieving anger, anxiety and tension because exercise helps to lower stress hormones like cortisol.
The good news is, that you don’t need any fancy equipment, just a mat or a blanket, and an exercise video of your choice. You can also work out by yourself, counting your own reps.
Stress relief alone is worth the effort to find ways to work out if you’re a busy mom. Exercise and what you eat have so many effects on your mental health. I’m telling you, “Do follow these self-care tips for yourself and your family!”
Related Article: Stress Relief For Stay-At-Home-Moms
3. Wear Comfortable Workout clothes
Comfort should never be sacrificed regardless of whether you’re a busy mom or a total fitness enthusiast. There’s no need to worry about your outfit, aside from the quality and comfort. If you lack enough free time, then there’s no need to stress over your wardrobe.
Of course, a quality sports bra, t-shirt, or tank top will be more than enough. Now that you sorted it out, it’s time to look for high stretch leggings that will allow you to freely move your body.
Some workouts encourage barefoot exercise (Pilates, yoga), but if you’re into weight-lifting, running, or speed walking, then it’s important to invest in a quality pair of sports shoes.
4. Wake Up And Work Out Before Your Child Gets Up
I know. I know. You are exhausted enough. You need your rest. I get it. I see you. I hear you. I feel you.
Can I just tell you? Waking up before my kids is the single most important thing I’ve ever done for myself and my family. As a stay-at-home mom, I get more done in the time before my family gets up, than I get done the rest of the day.
Once they are up, it’s a gamble on whether you’ll get another ounce of uninterrupted time until you get back in bed, and hey, even that might get interrupted.
Intentional moms wake up before the family and include self-care in their morning routine. Busy moms might have to rise and shine before the kids in order to fit exercise into their schedule.
I never said it would be easy, but I will say that it is worth it 10 fold!
5. Use Any Chance You Get To Move your body
If you have a baby or a toddler, then you can use any activity to move your body. Carrying a baby counts as exercise, as it strengthens your arms and gets them more toned.
Using any opportunity to move your body can be beneficial to your physical health. For example, if you’re dropping your little ones at a daycare, then try doing so on foot, or on a bike.
Use house cleaning as a chance to be more physically active while taking care of your household. Gardening is also a nice opportunity to spend time outdoors and move your body.
If you take your littles to the playground, use the opportunity to exercise while they are playing. Use the monkey bars for chin-ups, the slide for inclined sit-ups, and run any stairs for legs and thighs.
6. Ask Your Kids To Exercise With You
Without a doubt, finding some “alone time” can be challenging if you have small kids who constantly need your attention. Hence, if you can’t find some time to exercise by yourself, then feel free to include your kids, if they’re of appropriate age, of course. Now, they don’t need to repeat everything you do, but allowing them to join will help you grow closer.
You can use your child in fun ways to get exercise. Lift them up and down for arm and abdominal exercises. Put them on your legs in airplane mode and press them up and down for the thighs, glutes, and legs. Get creative to get it done!
If it’s yoga you like to do, there are apps and videos for children to do yoga. The possibilities are endless.
Additionally, investing in a stroller that you can use to walk at a brisk pace or jog is well worth your money. Getting outdoors has numerous benefits for you and your child. Not to mention, the vocabulary enrichment the outdoors offers.
The kids will also learn to appreciate exercise. Kids simply love to move, so including them is a great idea. Mainly if you lack time to exercise all alone, you can get them involved and have fun doing it. As they get older, they can start working out for real, and that is a great way to create a stronger parent-children bond.
Don’t take it too seriously. You’re making great memories and building quality life skills and habits.
7. Find A Support Group
If you have a group of friends, then exercise with them. Group workouts can be beneficial, as they can help with motivation and staying on track. They are great for accountability partners.
You can always help each other by watching each other’s kids so one of you can exercise in peace. Imagine what this could do for your mental health. Plus, you’re inspiring other friends to see that there are ways to work out if you’re a busy mom!
Community effort plays an enormous role, so if you have a chance to join a mom group and spend more time with them, then be sure to embrace that chance.
8. don’t Be too Hard On Yourself
New moms tend to self-doubt a lot. If this is your case, then don’t be too hard on yourself. Keep in mind that you’re free to leave your kids (in safe hands) once in a while and do things for yourself. Also, if you happen to skip a workout session or two, that’s also fine. There’s no need to beat yourself up over something like that.
You are not alone. Many overwhelmed moms find it hard to find ways to work out if they’re a busy mom.
Sometimes, your kid will be sick, and you won’t be able to make it, or you’ll feel a little under the weather, so you’ll prefer to stay at home. Remember that as long as you make an effort, you’ll reap the benefits.
Related Article: Self-Care For Moms: Intentional Habits That Are Proven To Bring Peace
Call To Action
Being a busy mom doesn’t mean you have to give up working out altogether. These tips will help you create a consistent, comfortable, and fulfilling workout routine.
As you can see, there are ways to work out if you’re a busy mom. Keep in mind that focusing on your own well-being can also help you be a better mother to your kids. Once you and your family start to see the benefits of you taking time for yourself, you will be so glad you invested in yourself.
This article was written in collaboration with Stella Van Lane. Stella is a passionate traveler and writer, in love with coffee, interior design, books and good vibes.
