It is no secret that moms tend to put their needs last. I’m here to tell you that taking care of yourself will make you the best mom and partner. Exercising gives me the little extra push I need for the evening time and it gives me something to look forward to during the day.
Here are some tips to help you make exercising a normal part of your daily routine!
1. Find a time that works for you and make it a priority.
I am not a morning person. I am a stay-at-home mom for my three boys ages 6, 4, and 3. My time to workout will probably not look like yours. I have a gym membership and do group fitness, which has a limited number of workout times. However, I make it a priority! The second my husband comes home from work, I give him a kiss and head to the gym. We have a home gym but it is much easier for me when someone is telling me what to do, so I get a better workout when I go to Iron Tribe Fitness. As great as my home gym is, I need a coach and to work out with others.
2. Plan.
No matter what, I always have my meals prepped before I leave the house, and I let the boys know that Mommy is going to the gym tonight. I leave at 5:00, right before dinner. Sometimes I’ll meet my husband at Iron Tribe with the kids in the car so that when he finishes his class, I can start mine. I am gone for about an hour 2-3 times per week during dinner time. As a stay-at-home mom, I’m okay (and happy) to miss a couple of dinners a week. Planning also means I drink 30 oz of water before noon and this will keep me hydrated before my workout. Hydration is key to being able to exercise.
3. Be flexible.
Don’t stress out if you miss a day. Do a quick workout at home, or go on a walk. If I haven’t exercised in a few days, I’ll take my kids to see Mike the Tiger at LSU and then walk around campus while they have a snack. Pushing a stroller with two preschoolers is definitely a workout! The key is consistency, not perfection.
4. Invest in workout attire.
The more you invest, the more committed you are to something. A free workout plan at home may not be as motivating as a membership you paid for while showing off your new leggings and sneakers! Like I mentioned before, water intake is very important while exercising. Buy a cute new water bottle to motivate you to stay hydrated and get out and exercise!
5. Find a friend.
I used to LOVE working out with my husband at Iron Tribe. It’s fun for us to be competitive and to watch each other improve! Three kids later, Iron Tribe is like my second home and I don’t mind going by myself, but if you do mind, find someone you enjoy spending time with and bring them along! Occasionally I will go with one of my friends to the Evolve Studio Pilates class in Perkins Rowe. It’s good to mix it up and do something different, especially if you have a friend with you!
What are some tips that help you stay consistent with exercise? I’d love to hear!
