Does your morning look anything like mine?
For example, my morning typically looks like this…
Wake up before the sun, make coffee, stumble into the “workout room” a.k.a. basement. Remember that you’re still in pajamas, head back upstairs to change into workout pants, realize workout pants are dirty. So you pull them out of the hamper, go back into the “workout room” and push play.
Realize that you don’t have the right equipment pulled out, pause the video, get the right equipment. Rewind workout because it didn’t pause, get halfway through, pause to make the preschooler a “nest”, get back to the workout.
Look down at your watch, realize the 3rd grader needs to get moving, pause again. Wake up the third grader, start breakfast, make more coffee, remember you should have made some lemon water, make lemon water, forget to drink it.
Pack lunches argue about the length of pants that are appropriate for the predicted temperatures, go through backpacks, vacuum crumbs out of backpacks. Rummage for last winter’s coat, argue about brushing teeth, brush half of their hair.
Realize you’ll miss the bus if you don’t leave, throw on some rain boots, head to the bus. Get the third grader on the bus, make more coffee, feed the preschooler, shower, go down to your office, realize you didn’t finish your workout, turn it off, pretend as if you nailed it.
No? Just me?
As a busy, working mom, finding time to work out can seem impossible. Running a household is hard work, and keeping everyone fed and entertained can be a full-time job on some days. Fortunately, you aren’t alone. There are plenty of moms out there who are too busy for fitness – and there are plenty of others who have found ways to make it work.
Not sure how you can incorporate a little fitness into your day?
Must Know Fitness Hacks For Moms On The Go
1 – Get up early
This one might not feel like much of a hack, but it’s one of the best ways you can change your routine to easily dedicate time to fitness. Waking up before everyone else in your house can be rough, but it can be the perfect time to take advantage of the silence and squeeze in a workout without being bothered.
2 – Find quick and easy exercises
Incorporating fitness throughout your day can be a great way to get in shape and stay in shape. Find a few exercises you can easily do when you find yourself waiting for the dryer to finish, sitting through a commercial break, or watching your kiddos play. Consider air squats, dips against your counter or couch, or jumping jacks as quick, effective ways to get your heart rate up and your metabolism going.
3 – Try a seven-minute workout app
Seven-minute workouts have become pretty popular, and it’s easy to see why. A short period of high-intensity exercise (otherwise known as HIIT) can make a huge difference on your metabolism. Even if you’re incredibly busy, you should be able to find seven minutes. One quick glance at an app store, and you’ll find dozens to choose from.
4 – Get active together
If the little ones are getting in the way of your workout, find a way to make them a part of the action! Whether that means jogging with a stroller, slowing down on your hike so your kiddos can keep up, or building an obstacle course in your backyard to challenge yourselves and have some fun, there are plenty of ways to break a sweat as a family.
5 – Watch TV while you’re on the treadmill
Love to watch your favorite shows? Give yourself a little motivation to work out by only allowing yourself to catch up on episodes while you’re on the treadmill
6 – Make things harder for yourself
See a parking spot at the front of the row at the grocery store? Drive right past and park in the back to give yourself an excuse to get some extra steps in
7 – Find an accountability partner
If you’re struggling to stay on track when it comes to working out and getting fit, consider finding a friend to keep you motivated. If you can find someone in a similar situation as yourself, that’s excellent, but anyone who’s willing to check in with you and hold you accountable for your fitness will work!
8 – Check out gyms with childcare
A growing number of gyms are offering childcare services while you work out. If exercise is important, and you’re willing to spend the cash on the monthly membership, this could be a great way to give yourself dedicated time to exercise without stressing about the kids.
What ways have you found to stay in shape with kids? Leave a comment and share your favorite way to make time for fitness.