How to Fit Exercise in As a Busy Mom
I've been working with a lot of parents recently who are finding it tough to know how to get in workouts. The day is busy caring for little humans, doing work, housework, and add onto that, the decreased light as the days get shorter, it can make you feel totally demotivated!
So here are 5 strategies that will help you get active:
Leave your equipment out. Instead of having it tucked away or in the basement, leave your exercise stuff out in the living room, office or right beside the kitchen, i.e., wherever you spend your day! We get so used to making space for our kids toys, but we deserve space for our toys too! Investing in a set of moderate-weight dumbbells (~10-20 lbs, depending on the person), and some resistance bands (I love my Nadora cloth resistance bands - use code SURABHI get 10% off!) can go a long way in getting you moving!
When your baby/kids/pets play, you play. Have a young baby at home? When they're getting tummy time or playing in their activity gym, use that time to get your workout in. I promise, you don't have to stare at your baby all day. They'll be entertained watching you work out beside them. If you have older kids, letting them joining in, or doing a workout when they're playing at the park can be great!
Aim for earlier in the day. The #1 mistake I see people making is saving it for "later"... then "later" comes, and you're more tired, you realize you didn't get much done today, so you feel guilty taking a "break" to exercise, so you put it off and put it off and then 9 PM hits and finding motivation is REALLY tough. If you're already in a consistent gym or home workout routine, then evening workouts can be great. But if getting your workouts in are a barrier, aim for the morning, before noon.
Wear your workout clothes in the morning or just workout in whatever you have on! Seriously, so many people feel like they have to change into sports bras or special tights to exercise. Not usually necessary! Many of my clients get their exercises in in their work clothes or pyjamas. It's all good!
Bare bum time for baby. Have a pre-crawler? Giving them some bare bum time can be great for their motor and sensory development, and gives them something fun to do while you're working out. It buys you a few extra minutes at least! Set them on a towel, have extra towels handy, give them a few crinkly toys and get to your workout!
And lastly: expect interruptions! When you've got kids especially, there is no perfect time for a workout, and there is no perfect workout! Done is better than perfect, and that's good enough!
