10 Workout Tips for Busy Moms

Between dealing with insane extracurricular schedules, messes around the house, cranky children, and the million other to-do’s that come with being a mother, finding the time to exercise can seem like an impossible challenge. You can hardly get ready for the day without being interrupted, so how are you supposed to set aside a chunk of time for working out?

If you’ve had trouble carving out an exercise routine and sticking to it, here are ten life-changing tips that will help you get in shape without shirking your responsibilities as a busy mom.

First and Foremost: Get in the Right Mindset

Constantly telling yourself that you’re too stressed, busy, or out-of-shape to start working out is a terrible way to get motivated. Ditch those negative thoughts now and forever. No matter how much time you spend caring for your children or working on your career, there’s always time for promoting your health. As soon as you start considering your workouts to be a necessity instead of a chore or self-indulgence, the sooner you’ll be able to implement a regular exercise routine in your schedule.

Schedule Your Workouts Like Any Other Appointment

Whenever you book a doctor’s visit or find out about a school play your kid is in, you record it in your carefully organized calendar, right? Well, why not tackle your workouts the same way? Penciling them into your planner is an excellent way to make sure you set aside time for physical activity. If you can, try signing up for classes that happen at set times so you can block that space of time out in your schedule.

Find Ways to Get Your Kids Involved

If you’re constantly around your children and can’t find a way to exercise alone, drag them along! You can easily make it fun by bribing them with sweet snacks or a trip to the playground. Some moms find that jungle gyms make for excellent workout tools, as can the public pool, local trails, and other places your children love to visit. Plus, they’ll benefit from the physical exercise just as much as you will.

Engage in Short Bursts of Strength Training and Cardio

There’s no need to set aside an entire hour of exercise every day. In fact, some research indicates that short bursts of exercise are more effective than long, drawn-out workouts. Therefore, you have no excuse; even fifteen minutes of dedicated strength training or cardio can give you the fitness boost you need. If you really want to see results, try amplifying these short bursts with safe workout supplements that are recommended by doctors. They can help you maximize your short routine and give you the energy you need to tackle the rest of your daily activities.

Create Go-To Workout Outfits

When you’re managing a household and squeezing each precious minute out of your workout, every second counts. That’s why you should come up with several workout outfits that are easy to slip into. This will cut down on the amount of time you spend searching for an old t-shirt to wear or gym shoes that match. To really save time, set your exercise clothes out in advance so you can get dressed as quickly as possible once your scheduled workout time rolls around.

Leave the Car Behind Whenever Possible

If you live in a place that’s conducive to walking, take advantage of that as much as possible. Although walking might not seem like an intense workout, it can help trim your waistline, manage your weight, fight problems like depression, and prevent serious heart diseases. Instead of hopping in the car to drive to the grocery store, try walking. If you can make your way on foot to your kids’ schools, do it! Every minute of physical activity counts, so try to leave your usual mode of transportation at home as much as possible.

Create Your Own At-Home Gym

Finding the time to drive to the gym, check in, work out, drive home, and then shower can be incredibly difficult. That’s why it might be a better idea to skip the gym and create your own exercise space at home. Invest in some weights, mats, and perhaps a treadmill so that you don’t have to rely on the gym’s equipment every day. Not only will this save you money on a pricey membership, but it will also help you squeeze in workouts during busy days.

Rope Other Moms Into Joining Your Fitness Challenge

Nothing helps keep you more accountable than fellow moms who are dealing with the same challenges. See if a couple of friends will become your workout buddies, then come up with a schedule that works for all of you. It’s much easier to skip a workout if there’s no one waiting for you to show up, so make sure you’re all motivating and inspiring each other.

Get Moving Before You Tackle Anything Else

One of the easiest ways to set aside some time for working out is to rise before the rest of the household does. Set your alarm thirty minutes to an hour earlier so you can head out for a run, use your weights, take a stroll, or engage in whatever kind of exercise you like. Added bonus: working out in the morning has its own set of benefits, so you’ll be reaping more rewards and exercising without distractions.

Invest in Some Fitness DVD’s

Recorded classes, either on DVD’s or on the internet, can make your workouts feel pretty simple. You don’t have to spend time deciding what kind of exercise to try, and the videos will probably push you harder than you push yourself. Embrace the guidance and have fun with a variety of free classes, from yoga to kickboxing.

In Conclusion

No matter how busy you are, there’s always time for your health. Try implementing these steps in your life to see if you can improve your fitness routine and start working out more regularly. Remember, even moms deserve a little time to themselves every now and then.