How to make time to exercise as a busy mom?
How do you make time for exercise when you're busy, and kids are sick, and work is crammed, and you have that elbow pain again, and...so on and so forth? Look for the opportunities.
Here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be a 60-minute workout in silence for it to count. That may be what you want and love, but it may not be ideal for this period in your life! Movement and exercise can happen at any time during your day.
When you’re not actively looking for opportunities to move, it’s very easy to feel like there’s no time. Your kids and chores will suck up every second of your day, if you let it. There are many reasons why you can’t exercise. And they are completely valid reasons - you’re tired, you’re in pain, you’re anxious, you have a sick baby, you’re sick, you’re traveling, you experienced a loss, you’re going through a difficult time. All are completely valid, which is why I don’t like to call them excuses. Let's get away from the "no excuses" gym bro mentality and stop shaming ourselves, AND let's also realize that there will always be a valid reason NOT to exercise. Always.
So what I’m asking you to try, is to look for opportunities where you can move. Where you can fit in the exercises that make you feel good, that help you get strong, that help you stay mobile. When you start looking for opportunities to move, you’ll see them everywhere.
I have many suggestions on ways you can fit in more exercise:
Take the stairs
Tummy time with your baby
Crawl around with your kids
Walk instead of drive
Play with your kids at the park
Dance party before dinner
Ride your bike
Play tag
Give a piggyback ride
Use your baby as a "weight" & exercise
Carry groceries instead of using a cart
Baby wear for a walk
Do squats / lunges while watching kids play
Meet a friend for a walk or run
Do a family activity that you can participate in too eg climbing, skiing
Workout with your kids
Ask your partner to take the kids out so you have time to yourself
Have your workouts programmed for you to take the guesswork out - join my BASE fitness membership!
Remember: Every little bit of movement counts. It doesn't have to be all-or-nothing! So look for the opportunities where you can fit in SOMEthing!
