Some people might think that stay-at-home moms have it easy, Some people might think that stay-at-home moms have it easy, that there’s no reason for them not to exercise.
Trying to squeeze in exercise while staying at home to raise the kids is not easy because being a stay at home mom is a full-time job in itself.
You barely have enough time to wash your hair or get a quick bite to eat, let alone drive back and forth to the gym to work out. So, how do you find time to work out with crazy schedules, clingy toddlers, tight budgets, chronic sleep deprivation, and zero athletic talent?
We’ve put together 5 realistic tips for any parent who wants to get into great shape, all while the little ones are around.
- Involve Your Loved Ones
Negotiate some exercise time with your loved ones, whether it’s your spouse, family or even the neighbours. Alternate the weeks with your spouse – let dad work out one week while mom watches the kids and switch the following week. Take advantage of family living nearby – while grandma gets to spend time with the kids twice a week, you’ll get time for some priority workout sessions. Or arrange with your neighbours to watch each other’s kids once a week while the other goes for a run or motivate each other and go for a walk with the kids all together.
- Be Ready With Workout Ideas & Options
Yes, your schedule is hectic, but being ready to take advantage of a few minutes here and there is the key to short bouts of adequate exercise. Here are some timesaver workout options you can do throughout the week:
Keep it simple and do bodyweight exercises (pushups, squats, lunges, etc.) for a minute each, followed by a quick run on the treadmill.
- Turn Daily Activities Into Exercise
Make it all count by running the stairs – take extra laps on the stairs when doing chores or chasing the kids around. Instead of strolling, race through the grocery store to burn extra calories or walk with the kids at the mall. Do strength training such as pushups with one of your kids on your back lunges or do squats and other exercises while cooking dinner or bending over to pick up toys or clothes.
- Out of Pajamas Into Workout Clothes
Wearing your workout clothes early in the morning may motivate you to work harder, even if you’re just doing chores around the house. Plus, you can get sweaty, and you don’t have to worry about it. It also makes workouts easier because you’re ready for a quick workout or walk whenever time allows. And, it’s a reminder to get some kind of exercise in, no matter how short.
- Include The Kids In Your Workout
It isn’t always easy to get them involved, but it’s definitely doable! You’d be surprised that they often have a lot of fun exercising with mom, or dad. Create rolled-up sock ‘dumbbells’ so they can copy your exercises and if they’re old enough and coordinated, have them hold very light weights. Turn exercise into games – many games involve physical activity, something everyone can do together. You can even go as far as turning chores into workouts. Have contests to see who can fold the laundry the fastest, in an acceptable manner, of course.
Try these tips but also remember to be patient with yourself. Know that being in your best shape doesn’t mean looking like someone else. Make sure your workout time is adding to your self-esteem and your self-care rather than detracting from it.
Most importantly? Give yourself a massive hug for working so hard to take care of yourself in front of your kids!