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Sticking with an exercise routine can be a struggle for anyone. For moms who are juggling school runs, cooking and naptime schedules, it can feel even harder. You can barely go to the bathroom in peace let alone find time for a gym membership.
Between caring for the kids, household chores, work, and everything else, there is little time for us moms to find time to look after ourselves. Luckily, it’s possible to get fit and be a parent (we promise!). It just needs a little bit of planning! Here are our top tips on how to squeeze in a workout like a boss
Workout First Thing
Before the day has time to get away from you, and before you are already late and rushing around, get a workout in. An early morning workout might seem like torture because sleep is precious after all. If you wait until after work to hit the gym then things will come up and detour you. Meetings run over and your mom who was supposed to pick the kids up from school cancels on you last minute. You never know what the day will bring.
If you workout early, you are done before the kids even wake up. SCORE! You’ll even have the energy for dragging everyone else out of bed and getting them ready too.
Have A Plan
Whether you are trying to get rid of your baby weight, or are just trying to keep fit, don’t forget to think about what you actually want to do at the gym. By knowing what you are going to do, it’ll be easier to drag yourself out of bed at 5am to go there.
Don’t Worry About Your Workout Outfit
Nobody really cares what you are wearing at the gym. To make an early alarm less painful, try laying your workout clothes by your bed the night before. Lessening early morning decisions will make your morning a bit easier. Sleep in your workout clothes if you have to. There’s no shame in that!
Workout During Lunchtime
If dragging yourself out of bed before the sun is up ain’t your jam, why not take your running shoes to the office and go for a run at lunch instead? Even if you work from home, this can act as a great screen break. It can even give you the motivation to get down to business afterward.
Not a runner? You can hit up the local swimming pool for a half hour over your lunch break, or even find a quiet corner to stretch out with some yoga.
Take To The Streets
Instead of driving, walk or cycle with your children to school or the bus stop. This will not only add the miles in for you, it will also encourage your little ones to do the same. By walking when the weather is good, you will hopefully get out of the habit of using the car for every occasion. As a bonus, you will be saving money on fuel at the same time. Win, WIN!
Invest In A Home Gym
A home gym doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. It can have as much or as little equipment as you want or need. Into yoga? Create a space which is quiet and gives you room to move. Need more balance? Buy a balance beam. Want to get stronger and tone? Buy some weights which you can pick up between cooking, naps, and errand runs. Remember that you don’t really need specialist special a gym membership to work out.
When The Cat’s Away…
The mouse will go to the gym. When you drop your kids at soccer practice or ballet class, take that time to grab a bit of time for exercise for yourself too. While the kids have the chance to run around, you can pound the pavement, swim a few lengths or row at the gym. You will all come back together refreshed and ready for an evening at home!
Naps are also a great time to catch some time to work out. Even if there is nobody to leave them with while they snooze, you can take that time to do some yoga, pilates or some strength training in the living room.
Don’t Beat Yourself Up
Let’s face it, life happens. Your kids will have tantrums. There will be giant messes to clean up. You and your children will get sick. Sometimes you will be just too exhausted to get out there and sweat. Don’t beat yourself up on the days where it’s simply impossible to work out. Make yourself a cup of tea, and settle down to watch your favorite TV show when you put the kids to bed instead. Tomorrow is always another day!
Fitting fitness into a busy schedule can be difficult. Putting exercise on the back burner is usually the first solution if there is too much going on. However, with a bit of planning and forethought, getting in your workouts is possible. It is important to make your well-being a priority, no matter how busy you are. When mommy is happy and healthy, everybody else in the house is happy and healthy too!
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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“Every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier, and to be the best version of you.”
Karen Morse
June 16, 2017 at 10:45 amThere are plenty of ways to sneak in a workout especially when the kids are in school. I think these are great tips! There’s really no excuse when it comes to fitness!
Krystle
June 22, 2017 at 7:50 pmIt definitely helps a ton when the kids are at school. Makes it much easier!
Amanda Love
June 16, 2017 at 10:52 amThe kids are easier to handle now so it’s easier to squeeze in a workout. I usually jog and try to go to the gym but working out at home is fine as well. Loving your tips!
Krystle
June 22, 2017 at 10:41 pmI enjoy working out at home the most. Just makes it easier that way.
theclutterboxblog
June 16, 2017 at 1:09 pmI can’t even imagine trying to get my workouts in with kids around! My yoga studio has a kids room and that helps a great deal.
Krystle
June 22, 2017 at 10:44 pmOh yes, it’s very nice when the workout spots have something for the kids. It takes a load off!
KimberlyCruzLopez
June 16, 2017 at 2:20 pmI was just talking to one of my friends yesterday about finding the time to workout! Life is busy, especially for a working wife and mother, but exercise should be a priority! Thanks for the tips! Going to give them a try!
Krystle
June 22, 2017 at 10:44 pmYou are so right, it needs to be a priority! It’s hard but our health deserves it!
Amber Nelson
June 16, 2017 at 2:30 pmI have always thought I should workout in the early morning, but I just can’t do it!!!
Krystle
June 22, 2017 at 10:42 pmEarly mornings are so tough. However, it really kick starts your day off nicely.
Pam
June 16, 2017 at 4:59 pmI’ve learned the hard way that for me- if I don’t get that workout in first thing in the morning, it’s not likely to happen. Great tips!
Krystle
June 22, 2017 at 10:40 pmIt’s definitely easy to get sidetracked as soon as the day starts. Get it in while you can!
Tereza (@cityscapebliss)
June 17, 2017 at 1:11 amThis is a brilliant post! The main thing for me (even though I’m not a mum) is the sense of commitment and routine! But definitely must keep positive even when I miss a day (or a week!) x
Krystle
June 22, 2017 at 10:37 pmYes! Beating yourself up will only make it harder to stay on track.
Sona Jain
June 17, 2017 at 4:08 amI usually go for gym in afternoon during lunch break and that really pays off. I am not a morning person and I am dead tired by the end of theday.
Krystle
June 22, 2017 at 10:35 pmI have a friend who’s the same way. Hey, whatever does it for you!
Carolyn
June 17, 2017 at 4:30 pmI have learned that I have to fit it in before noon or it doesn’t get done. Love all the tips.
Krystle
June 22, 2017 at 10:32 pmEveryone has that perfect timing in the day. It sounds like you found yours.
Kristina
June 17, 2017 at 8:11 pmGreat tips! I have an elliptical in my room and weights. I try to squeeze in a workout here and there when I can. I really need to stay consistent with it.
Krystle
June 22, 2017 at 9:24 pmIf you can get a little routine going, it becomes habit. It makes it so much easier.
Louise x (@withlovefromlou)
June 18, 2017 at 8:14 amI really want to work out more, but my 4 year old only sleeps for 2 hours a night so I’m constantly exhausted. I hate how I’m getting bigger every day and unable to lose the weight!
Louise x
Krystle
June 22, 2017 at 9:02 pmWow, bless your heart. You’re at that tough stage. They will grow out of it soon and then you can maybe add it in then!
Rachel
June 18, 2017 at 10:23 amGreat tips. I need to keep fit!! I try and go running with my daughter but this has stopped. When I try to exercise, I become ill!! 🙁
Krystle
June 22, 2017 at 9:01 pmI’ve seen that happen before to others. It sounds like you need to start small and work your way up.
Jeanine
June 18, 2017 at 10:34 amThese are tips I really need. I am super busy anymore and I’m really struggling to fit it all in including work outs so this is helpful!
Krystle
June 22, 2017 at 9:00 pmYay for being helpful! Being busy can just suck the fun out of it!
Journa Liz Servito Ramirez
June 18, 2017 at 9:09 pmI don’t know how to make time for working out but I think I should start now.. Thanks for inspiring me to get fit again!
Krystle
June 22, 2017 at 8:59 pmI’m glad it was inspiring! I hope you find what works for you!
Michelle Paige
June 19, 2017 at 1:08 pmThese are all great tips! Having a plan is usually what is most helpful to me when it comes to sticking to a workout routine.
Michelle | She’s Not So Basic
Krystle
June 22, 2017 at 8:58 pmYes! I love having a routine or at least a daily plan. It helps me stick with it.
Jenny
June 19, 2017 at 5:35 pmThese are great tips. I used to workout in the morning when my babies were too young for the gym daycare. It was a commitment but I always felt better after I got my workout in.
Krystle
June 22, 2017 at 8:57 pmI definitely agree. Fitting it in makes it feel worth it afterwards.
Renée ♥
June 20, 2017 at 12:20 amTrying to fit in a workout can be so frustrating when you are a mom, because sometimes our schedules turn on a dime. It’s good to have a number of strategies.
Krystle
June 22, 2017 at 7:52 pmYou are so right! It can take 5 seconds before our entire day is turned inside out!
Blonde Seeking Ambition
June 23, 2017 at 12:14 amThese are all GREAT ideas! I think sneaking it in whenever and WHEREVER you can (without caring what you look like!) makes a huge difference!
Caitlin • Blonde Seeking Ambition
A Busy Bees Life
June 24, 2017 at 10:34 pmI really need to get back to exercising. I always feel more energized and better about myself when I do.
Ronald Gagnon
February 20, 2019 at 8:49 pmHeh, I am an old man and I can use this advice
Home Jobs By Mom
March 2, 2019 at 5:16 pmEveryone could use tips on fitting in a workout. We are all so busy these days.
Christina Almond
February 20, 2019 at 10:20 pmThese are wonderful tips! I, admittedly, have to be so careful of the last one–not to be too hard on myself for not always accomplishing everything that I set out to do! I did find pretty recently that I am much more successful when I set really exact goals for myself!
Home Jobs By Mom
March 2, 2019 at 5:20 pmSetting exact goals is always so helpful. It’s hard for me to not be hard on myself too. I think it is for everyone.