5 Ways to Fit Fitness into Your Busy Mom Life
Making time to work out can be hard for anyone, but it’s even harder when you’re a mom. What with feeding littles, changing their diapers or clothes, bathing them, playing with them, putting them to bed… it’s nearly impossible to stop and take any time for yourself. At least, that’s how it can feel sometimes. But there are creative ways to fit at least some fitness into our daily routines. Read on for our top tips.
1. Roll off your bed for a few push-ups, planks, and crunches first thing in the morn. No matter what your situation, you can always carve out a few minutes the moment you wake up. Sure, your kids might already be at your door (or in your face) wanting some breakfast. But you can either ignore them and do this while they bug you (don’t worry, they’ll survive) or, if you have a baby, do it immediately after feeding them. (Just place them in their playpen for three minutes. Trust us; they’ll be fine).
2. Use a seven-minute workout app every chance you get. There are several seven-minute workout apps already on the market (e.g., Wahoo 7 Minute Workout, Quick Fit , Johnson & Johnson, and 7 Minute Workout Challenge). Download one of these apps and keep it on your phone’s main screen (you know, next to Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail). Then, use it the second you get a free moment (like when your kid falls asleep for nap). Seven minutes is better than zero minutes, and these workouts are often designed to burn a lot of energy in a little bit of time.
3. Have a race or game of tag with your kiddo. Few tots will say no to a rousing game of tag or a race around the house. Get extra creative by adding rules, like a backwards race, a skipping race, or having to carry and drop certain items along the way. If your little one is too young for this and can only crawl, you can even get on hands and knees and crawl all around them. They’ll definitely be amused.
4. Do squats or leg-lifts while cooking. Since you’re a parent (and a human being), there’s little chance you won’t find yourself in the kitchen at some point. Prepping food is a good short-term workout opportunity, because you’ll always find yourself waiting on something at some point (even if it’s just a bottle heating or something cooking in the microwave). Take advantage of that minute and 30 seconds to lift your butt, so to speak.
5. Always, always take the long way. It’s the easiest tip anyone could ever give you (and someone likely already has). It’s worth reiterating, though. Park far from the store so you have to walk a farther distance. Try forgoing the cart while you’re at it so you also carry heavy bags (unless of course you’re wearing your baby, who is likely more than enough weight). And, of course, take the stairs whenever possible.
Want more fitness tips? Check out our Pinterest page @BritandCo!
(Photo via Getty)
