You know you need to workout, but how do you stay active when you have little ones running around? It’s not as hard as you think! Here are some tips for staying active with kids at home.
Working out is something I *enjoy*…or at least I like the benefits that it comes with. I feel good after a workout, as if I’ve accomplished something. And I feel better physically. Everything from helping strengthen my back, to lowering blood sugar, it’s all helpful.
I won’t bore you with all the reasons you should work out, because we all know why it’s important. The hard part is finding time, a routine we enjoy and then sticking to it. And as a mom with little ones, it can be challenging to make time when there are so many other things that need done. I can tell you though, it is worth it!
These are some of the ways I’ve stayed motivated!
Working Out is as Much Mental as it is Physical
This means you have to decide you are going to work out and don’t give yourself any alternative. It’s a mind over matter thing. Yes you’re tired, yes there are dishes in the sink, yes you have kids running around but you can still make it work.
I personally find mornings are best. After breakfast when my boys are fed and they’re ready for independent play. We head to the basement and they destroy the place while I get my sweat on. Okay they don’t destroy the place but there ends up being a lot of toys everywhere.
It’s taken me a long time to get him to that point. I used to work out during E’s morning nap, which meant I didn’t get to shower until later, but once he was older I started doing it while he was awake. Sometimes I only managed 10 minutes, but as time wore on he got the idea.
Now even with two boys I can do a solid 30-40 minutes. But I made the decision that it was going to happen and made the effort everyday.
Find a Workout that Works for You!
This is where it’s tough. I personally love working out at home. I accumulated many Jillian Michaels DVD’s over the years and rotate through them. She isn’t my favourite trainer but I like the workouts so I’ve stuck with them. They are essentially circuit training that only require a mat, some hand weights and 20-30 minutes.
I’ve heard many moms who follow fitness blogs or Instagram for workouts. I can’t speak to any of that but there are many options out there.
Another great thing is walking. Every time I’ve needed to lose 5 pounds (usually in May when I start pulling out summer clothes and think “uh oh”) I’ve found that walking did the trick. I’m not talking a leisurely stroll though. I’m talking a good paced walk where you’re sweaty by the end. I still walk everyday with E and Hobbs, especially as the weather is good.
There are so many other things, running, cycling, boxing, Zumba…the list goes on. It’s easier if you can find something that can be done at home, even if it means purchasing a treadmill or bike. Find what works for you and stick to it!
Better Health has more ideas for you!
Stick to It!
Yep, I said it, twice. Don’t give up. There’s a reason most workout programs are 4, 6, 8 weeks long. To get results you have to put in the time. Everyday. Or at least 5-6 days a week. Don’t get discouraged if you aren’t seeing results right away. Like I said, it’s mind over matter.
That being said, choose one or two days when you won’t work out.
When I was teaching full time, before I had kids, I didn’t work out on Fridays. It was nice to give myself that little break and it forced me to workout the other days because I knew I wasn’t going to at the end of the week.
You also want to build your workouts into your daily life so you can continue with them. You want to be consistent in your routine. You’ll go through weeks when your workouts may be short or not as intense but the goal is to do it everyday (or almost everyday).
Dress for Success
My husband wouldn’t agree with this because it would mean going shopping…but it makes a difference. Having pants that don’t slide down and a properly fitting bra will change your workout experience. I’m not saying you should go crazy at Lulu Lemon (I love their leggings btw but I don’t wear them for working out) but get yourself some stuff you are comfortable in.
Unfortunately I don’t have great suggestions for reasonably priced workout clothes other than Wal Mart, Winners and Old Navy. As for bras, I’ve had good success with Under Armour and Aerie (by American Eagle). Nursing bras were harder to come by and I never did have something I was comfortable in (total side note but living up north and during a pandemic meant postpartum shopping was beyond difficult).
Eat Right
Everyone nowadays is on their own diets, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, keto…and so on. The important thing is that you are putting nutrients into your body and consuming the right amount of calories.
However, working out for 30 minutes does not mean you can eat as much cake as you want. Sorry but it doesn’t. Remember when I talked about all those times I needed to drop 5 pounds so I could button up my summer shorts? I walked to lose the weight but I also reined in my winter eating habits.
So don’t fall into the trap of “I worked out so I can eat this.” That’s a big donut hole you don’t want to fall into.
Remember Who You’re Working Out For
Hopefully you are working out for yourself and your own health. We were created to be active creatures, I really do not believe God gave us so many muscles and bones in our bodies just to sit around all day. So take care of what God has given you and strengthen it!
And if not for yourself for your kids. Let them see how you take time to care for yourself and make healthy choices. Let them be apart of it (if they are willing and able). A strong mama is a happy mama and that is the important thing!
Go get your sweat on!
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