Finding time can be the greatest challenge
for working moms when it comes to getting an exercise routine started. Just figuring
out how to squeeze in exercise time around after school activities, birthday
parties and work demands could be daunting. You’re already drained just
thinking about it.
We all know the health benefits associated
with physical fitness from diabetes prevention to improvement in energy and
mood. Bottom line, we moms need to factor in regular exercise to effectively
manage the challenges of work and family life.
For new moms getting into shape can help you regain a sense of control
over your body. For experienced moms exercise can offer that much needed boost
of energy or an outlet to release some of the pressures of parenting.
Here are some strategies to get you motivated
as well as ways to sneak some fitness time into your weekly schedule. Weekly as
opposed to daily because we want to start off slowly and build up.
1.
Decide on the type of exercise.
Ask yourself why you are exercising. Figuring out the motive for exercising
will help you choose a work-out that will help you reach your goal.
2.
Schedule time to exercise. Figure
out ahead of time, which days and times you can exercise and schedule it on
your calendar. This might mean early mornings or late evenings.
3.
Set reasonable goals. Don’t
take on a very demanding exercise schedule, as you are less likely to stick to
it or could injure yourself if you push too hard.
4.
Make exercise a priority. In
order to take care of your family, you have to take care of yourself.
5.
Find exercises that can be done
at home. Purchase some lightweights and exercise videos. Some of the best
exercises involve using your own body weight. There are also exercises that
could be done at your desk.
6.
Get the family involved in
fitness. This could involve hiking, biking or walks around the savannah on your
weekends.
7.
Use your lunch break to squeeze
in a 30 minutes workout, if this is not possible try working out in spurts by
doing three 10 minutes blasts of cardio.
If you have to skip a day or two don’t beat
yourself up. Remember it’s about making time to exercise regularly and taking
care of you.
Related
it can be really difficult, try gettint up every morning 15 minutes earlier and do an excersise routine everyday or every other day.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the exercise when you can approach versus scheduling time to exercise. Simply because staying on schedule is difficult with kids and when you break your schedule it's difficult to get back on track.
ReplyDeleteTo avoid losing your way, instead incorporate exercising into your daily routine. For instance you can do lunges as you walk through the house, squats while preparing a meal or purchase strapped on light weights and wear them around the house. Also perform concurrent tasks that forces you to go up and down the stairs.
Basically anything to get your heart rate going and that allows you to strengthen and stretch your muscles while you go through your daily activities.
Remember exercise should be convenient to do otherwise chances are you won't do it...consistently.
i am in total agreement with your tips and advice,it can be difficult for stay at home moms and even more difficult for working moms but we need to take care of ourselves in order to be able to take of our families like you suggested.
ReplyDelete