Art Crafts & Family

Sharing our love for art and family.

  • Home
  • About
  • Art
  • Crafts
  • Family
  • Entertainment
  • Recipes
  • Travels

Finding Time for Mom to Get Fit

July 1, 2013 by Lauren Leave a Comment

The magical moment when you arrive at motherhood is such an exciting time in one’s life. Having a child not only changes how you feel about the world, feel about love, and see life beyond your own eyes, but it has a bigger impact on one thing for all women: our bodies. Whether you are a mom who is able to bounce back, or a mom who struggles with those last pounds, the biggest concern we find is lack of time to get back into shape and get fit!

 Finding Time For Busy Moms to Get Fit


Whether you are on your first child or sixth, our schedules are already so full and loaded that trying to fit in anytime for ourselves seems almost impossible. Remembering that your health is an important factor to your family and your children, is a great reason to motivate yourself to get fit and take care of your body.

 

A couple of things to look at before preparing a workout plan for your already full schedule are:

  • What can you fit in your day right now?

  • How can you change your routine to give you more time to exercise?

  • What kind of activities appeal to me?

 

Once you have answered all of those questions, motivating yourself, and finding time to exercise will become easier. If you find you really don’t like going to the gym, but love hiking and running, it’s easier to have that plan in your week to make time to get outside. If you already know that your children are late-risers, getting a workout in an hour before they wake up is an easy way to change your schedule to accommodate a workout.

 

Getting The Most Workout For Your Time to Help You Get Fit

 

Planning

 

The first thing you need to do to get a successful workout in, is to plan it. If it’s already on your schedule, on an alarm on your phone, or scribbled down on a pad on your wall, you are more likely to take initiative and finish your workout. The best times for working out are up to you. Whether it is in the morning, while kids get a nap, or in the evening. Whenever you can find a moment to yourself, is the best moment to work on your health. There is not a wrong time to exercise. Whether it is cardio for 1 hour straight, or 15 minute intervals throughout the day, create a schedule that is easy for you to follow and stick with your plan.

 

Any Exercise Is Good Exercise

 

Sometimes we think we need to be on an elliptical machine or be in an aerobics class to get a “real” workout. Take advantage of our daily tasks and opportunities with your children to get a good sweat going. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away from the supermarket entrance, have a dance party with your children. Turn moments of where you are stationary, to moving around, from doing squats while folding laundry, to doing sit ups while watching TV. Children are always wanting to be on the go, so jog alongside them while they ride their bike is another great example of getting involved with your children. You’ll discover the more active you are, the family will follow.

 

Workout Videos

 

There are plenty of great workout videos you can buy or even view online. Websites like Blogilates, offers short Youtube videos that can be done as bursts of energy, or done multiple times for a full workout. These are great while the kids entertain themselves with a coloring book or legos. You can easily find a quick 10 minute video on your computer or smart phone and get rid of some calories in the kitchen without your children even noticing your absence.

 

Using videos are also a great way to mix up your routine, discover something new, and keep you from getting bored with working out. There are plenty of videos where your children can join in and laugh with you. Doing 3, 10 minutes videos a day is all it takes to see a difference.

 

Join A Gym or Program

 

If you have a gym or YMCA close to you, check it out and see if it would work for your family. Most gyms now offer classes, childcare, and even children’s programs to help you have more time for yourself to get in shape, while entertaining your children. There are also other programs for new moms like Stroller Strides and StrollerFit that are worth taking a look, if you have a young child you can take them with you and bond.

 

Exercise Apps

 

If you have a smartphone, there are plenty of great apps that can help you get into shape when you have limited time. The MyFitnessPal app is a great calorie counting app that also includes some exercise instructions. The Nike App is also an amazing resource as they have free exercise videos and commands from 5 minutes videos to 30 minute workouts.

 

The most important thing to remember is to keep moving in your daily life. Whether you invest in machines, a gym, or commit to being more active with your children, you are making an amazing choice for your family to remain as healthy as you can be. Healthy choices are also made together as a family, and as mom starts to be more active and eat healthy, you’ll find you’ll have set great healthy habits in motion for your family.

Filed Under: Fit and Healthy Tagged With: bes, busy moms get fit, finding time, get fit, health, initiative, lack of time, magical moment, mom, moms get fit, motherhood, nap, own eyes, shape, workout plan

« Animating Disney Planes #DisneyPlanesEvent
DreamWorks’ Delivery Man Official Trailer Debut #DeliveryManMovie »

Comments

  1. Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says

    July 1, 2013 at 8:33 am

    I love using videos, but I do need to investigate some of the apps and see what they’ve got going on!

    Reply
  2. Tiff @ Babes and Kids says

    July 1, 2013 at 10:04 am

    I think the biggest thing for me when it comes to exercising is prioritizing. If I make exercise a priority, it happens. If not, it doesn’t, simple as that.

    Reply
  3. Donna says

    July 1, 2013 at 10:18 am

    I’ve finally come to the realization that “any exercise” is good exercise. If all I have time for is a short walk, then that is better than nothing. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Jennifer says

    July 1, 2013 at 10:47 am

    I love workout apps. They help me work out from home and keep track of everything.

    Reply
  5. Penelope (NYC Blogger) says

    July 1, 2013 at 1:30 pm

    I’d love to, at the very least, start stair climbing.

    Reply
  6. Jenn says

    July 2, 2013 at 5:28 am

    Good ideas. I have been doing squats here and there throughout the day.

    Reply
  7. LyndaS says

    July 2, 2013 at 7:17 am

    The older I get the more painfully aware of how sedentary I have become. I guess it is a good thing that my grass needs to be cut – it will force me to get out and get some needed exercise.

    Reply
  8. Jennifer @ The Quirky Momma says

    July 2, 2013 at 10:43 am

    I prefer walking and biking. I like things that don’t cost me any money (monthly fees, etc.)

    Reply
  9. HilLesha says

    July 2, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    Between working and chasing after my 11 month old, I can’t seem to find the time for exercise. When there is time, I’m so worn out and tired!

    Reply
  10. Angela says

    July 2, 2013 at 5:31 pm

    I’m really good at the planning but not so much on the follow through, when it comes to fitness.

    Reply
    • Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says

      July 5, 2013 at 2:39 pm

      This is me too — I can plan for it but I have a hard time following through.

      Reply
  11. Marcie W. says

    July 3, 2013 at 8:05 am

    I lost all of my baby weight by working out to videos while my kids napped in the afternoon or had quiet time. I now maintain by going to the gym 6 days a week and really enjoy the small bit of me time. I love these suggestions!

    Reply
  12. Maryann says

    July 3, 2013 at 1:24 pm

    I am still struggling with adrenal issues so I’m not allowed to exercise since it depletes me even further. it sucks.

    Reply
  13. Lisa says

    July 4, 2013 at 5:07 am

    Great advice!

    Reply
  14. Robin Gagnon says

    July 4, 2013 at 7:35 am

    I just can’t seem to get back on track lately. I’m hoping when my new Jawbone Up comes in the novelty of it will kick me in gear.

    Reply
  15. Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says

    July 4, 2013 at 8:28 am

    I think having the items you need at home helps. I have a treadmill and a bike. My hubby has weights, but they are way to heavy for me. Thanks for the reminder that I need to pick up some lighter ones for me.

    Reply
  16. Shell Feis says

    July 5, 2013 at 1:27 am

    I really need to work on making exercise a priority. I am signing up for a yoga class in the next few weeks though.

    Reply
  17. Mellisa says

    July 5, 2013 at 6:36 pm

    I’ve been finding more videos online which really help .

    Reply
  18. Jenn- The Rebel Chick says

    July 5, 2013 at 8:18 pm

    Um I am completely distracted by that really cute bag you have pictured lol But seriously, these are great tips. Using what you have at home is big, especially for those that don’t have gym memberships.

    Reply
  19. Colleen says

    July 5, 2013 at 8:56 pm

    I’ve used all those tips before sometimes it is just so hard not to find the time but to get motivated.

    Reply
  20. Leilani says

    July 5, 2013 at 10:13 pm

    Thankfully my husband just brought our treadmill in from the garage into our sunroom. Hopefully once I pop this baby out, I’ll be able to squeeze in some time on that thing.

    Reply
  21. Emily @FamilyNLifeLV says

    July 5, 2013 at 11:45 pm

    Once I made it a priority – I made it happen!

    Reply
  22. Vanessa: thequeenofswag says

    July 6, 2013 at 1:27 pm

    I seriously need to start practicing these tips for sure. I’m trying to get back in shape.

    Reply
  23. Anne - Mommy Has to Work says

    July 6, 2013 at 2:44 pm

    I try to carve out work out time. It’s good for me and everyone else… lol

    Reply
  24. Sheri says

    July 6, 2013 at 8:44 pm

    Great tips. It really is a challenge to find the time.

    Reply
  25. Kathleen says

    July 7, 2013 at 6:27 am

    These are great tips! I find that I workout a lot more when I have a set schedule each day.

    Reply
  26. Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says

    July 7, 2013 at 1:59 pm

    I really need to look into more workout apps to help me lose the last 20lbs.

    Reply
  27. Toni says

    July 8, 2013 at 4:18 am

    I’m trying to find time to add activity into my schedule, it’s definitely harder in the summer 🙂

    Reply
  28. tricia Night Owl Mama says

    July 13, 2013 at 9:03 am

    I go for walks and try fitness at home videos but I love all your tips

    Reply
  29. Theresa says

    July 14, 2013 at 12:04 pm

    These are GREAT tips.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

logo
Food Advertising by
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Search

Gymboree Sale On Now!
Plant Therapy Essential Oils

Popular Posts

Pixar Inside Out Craft Silhouette
You're The Bomb Valentine Bath Bombs and Printable
25 Winter and Christmas Crafts for Kids | Week 1
Handmade Valentines to Mail to Family and Friends
25 Winter and Christmas Crafts for Kids | Week 4
How to Create Stop Motion Animation with Kids
Plant Therapy Essential Oils

GET THE LATEST

Get our latest posts right to your inbox!

Featured

Pinkalicious and Peterrific are Coming to PBS Kids

Pinkalicious and Peterrific are Coming to PBS Kids

Pucker Up Buttercup Valentines

Pucker Up Buttercup Valentines

You’re The Bomb Valentine Bath Bombs and Printable

You’re The Bomb Valentine Bath Bombs and Printable

CONNECT

  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2021 · Tasteful theme by Restored 316