Let’s face it, our days as moms are FULL and often downright exhausting. Squeezing in time to workout can too often become our last priority.
Over the past many months I’ve made it my goal to be more consistent with my exercise routine. Let me be honest, my commitment to physical activity had become nearly non-existent. I had come up with and exhausted just about every excuse in the book to get out of exercising. My body, my weight and overall energy were definitely suffering. Things had to change! I had to make my well-being a priority because when I feel good and get regular exercise I’m a more well-balanced person for my family. While I’m not at the gym everyday, I have found a few creative ways to better manage my time and make fitness an obtainable goal.
1) Create the time.
This is so hard but necessary on busy days. Basically this involves me adding time to my day specifically for exercise by getting up a few hours earlier. Dragging myself out of the bed at 5am is tough, but when I’m done with my workout before my family’s day has even begun, I feel wildly accomplished.
2) Set a schedule.
This goes hand in hand with #1 and forces me to schedule exercise. I’m much more likely to work out when I attend a class with a set starting time. If I have to initiate the start of exercise on my own I can manage to procrastinate ALL.DAY.LONG.
3) Find a buddy.
Workouts seem to be more enjoyable when you have a friend along for the “fun.” Plus, you have someone to commiserate with the next day when you can barely move. Having a buddy also keeps me more accountable since I actually have someone to answer to if I don’t show up for a workout.
4) Make the most of everyday activities.
Like most moms, making it to the gym everyday is not realistic in my life. But I do try to squeeze some physical activity in my daily routine every day. Making my work-outs a family affair also sets an example for my kids that physical activity is an important part of our lives. While I might look a little crazy, I do squats while folding laundry, lunges while pushing my kids on a swing, do push-ups while my kids watch Elmo. Every little bit counts, right?!?
5) Switch it up.
Going out in this crazy Louisiana weather and running EVERY SINGLE DAY sounds pretty miserable to me so I find ways to switch up my work-out routine. To add variety to my routine I try new and different classes, listen to different music, or just enjoy a walk around the neighborhood when I simply don’t feel like doing anything but sitting on the couch eating chocolate.
Making physical activity a priority in my life as a mom helps me to maintain my energy, patience and over all well-being. Finding ways to fit exercise into my schedule isn’t always easy, but my health is worth the sacrifice. With a little creativity I’ve made working out a priority in my life again and my body is grateful for it! Oh and don’t forget those occasional days where you do just sit on the couch and eat chocolate; they are good for the soul too.
