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Being a busy mom often means there’s little time left for yourself. Between work, household chores, childcare, and other responsibilities, exercise is usually the first thing to fall off your priority list. However, finding time for fitness is so important – not just for your physical health but also for your mental wellbeing. Carving out even small pockets of time for movement and self-care can make a big difference. Here are ten tips to help busy moms fit fitness into their hectic schedules:
1. Get an Accountability Buddy
Having a friend or family member to exercise with can help motivate you and hold you accountable. Schedule workouts together in advance so you stick to the plan. An accountability buddy makes it harder to skip sessions.
2. Do 10-Minute Workouts
You don’t need an hour-long workout to get results. Short 10 or 15-minute sessions throughout your day can be highly effective. Do a quick HIIT workout, go for a speed walk, stretch, do bodyweight exercises, or even just dance around with your kids. Little bursts of exercise add up.
3. Wake Up Early
Try waking up 30-60 minutes earlier to get your workout in before the kids are up. The mornings tend to be less hectic, so take advantage of the quiet time. Going to bed a little earlier may help with rising early. It will be hard at first but will soon become routine.
4. Incorporate Exercise into Childcare
Entertain your kids while getting fit by putting on music and dancing together. Go for walks, bike rides, or hikes together. Turn household chores like vacuuming into mini workouts. Engage the kids in exercise videos or circuits in the backyard.
5. Do Bodyweight Workouts at Home
You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership to exercise. There are so many effective bodyweight workouts you can do in your living room or backyard. Pushups, squats, lunges, and planks are just a few options. Search online for no-equipment routines until you’re ready to spend money. Additionally, having a proper pre-workout snack can fuel your body and enhance your performance during workouts.
6. Try Pre-Workout Supplements
Pre-workout supplements can give you more energy for your workout so you can make the most of your limited time. Look for pre-workouts with caffeine, creatine, and amino acids. Start with half a scoop to assess your tolerance.
7. Schedule Workouts Like Appointments
Treat exercise sessions as seriously as you would a doctor or work appointment. Block off specific times for workouts in your calendar. This makes it harder to make excuses to skip the gym. Prioritize exercise.
8. Do Active Recovery
On really busy days when you can’t squeeze in a proper workout, do active recovery. Go for a walk, do light yoga, or stretch while catching up on your favorite podcast. Low-intensity activity is better than nothing.
9. Multitask with Kids
Involve the kids in your workouts so you can tick off both exercise and family time. Put the baby in a front carrier while you do squats. Let the toddler climb on you during planks or pushups. Kids can make great little weights!
10. Meal Prep Ahead of Time
Preparing healthy meals and snacks on less busy days saves so much time. Cook large batches to have nutritious grab-and-go options ready when things get hectic. Pack snacks to take to the gym. Proper nutrition helps fuel workouts.
The struggle to balance fitness with motherhood is so real. But being active is great self-care and an investment in your health. With some planning and clever scheduling, even the busiest moms can make it work. What tips do you have for fitting in exercise around your crazy mom schedule?