Mothers are the most special people on the planet. Without them, there would be no life. That’s reason enough to worship the ground under their feet.
As they swap roles from a human alarm clock to a chef, to a taxi driver, to an entertainer, and anything else in between, all of their energy is spent taking care of others. Their selfless nature means that it can be difficult for them to find time for themselves let alone stick to a healthy diet plan.
Photo by Valeria Ushakova from Pexels.
Looking to the internet for advice on how to find the time to work out can be a minefield. Sure, there are Instagram accounts of super-fit moms and crazy workout routines to get you back into shape post-partum. But these plans are unrealistic for most regular moms.
The reality that faces the majority of mothers is that there may not be a convenient time or place to work out every day, week, or month. On the rare occasion that you do find some time on your hands, a workout may not be on your to-do list. A well-needed nap or a Netflix catch up session might take precedence.
Fortunately, there are some great ways to squeeze in a workout, even if you are extremely busy. Here is a summer workout guide for those busy moms out there.
Pack your gym bag
Always have a gym bag packed and ready so that you can break into an impromptu workout at any moment. Take the bag with you in the car, to work, or when you go shopping. If you get a short window of time, you can quickly change and work out.
Here’s what you should have in your gym bag:
- Sports bra
- T-shirt
- Shorts
- Sneakers
- Comfortable black leggings
- Towel
- Toiletries
Join your kids for a workout
Kids are constantly on the go. They have endless energy stores and seem never to sit still. Why not take advantage of this and join them when they play?
Plan trips to the park, take bike rides or chase them around the garden every once in a while.
The 5-minute workout
If you only have five minutes of spare time, it’s still beneficial to work out. Every second that you exercise adds up. You might be surprised to find that several 5-minute pockets of time pop up regularly every day. Have your gym bag ready and make the most of it.
Get up early
This might not be a solution for everyone. A lot of moms get up early anyway. However, if you are determined to get quality workouts under your belt, getting up an hour early could be the perfect way to make time for exercise.
Set your alarm, fuel up on a healthy breakfast , and get working.
Work out at work
If you’re a working mom, take your morning coffee break to go. Grab your americano and take a walk around the building or climb the stairs a couple of times. Do twenty jumping jacks to start and finish your lunch break.
Again, this is made easier if you have your trusty gym bag at hand.
Don’t drive
Where possible, take your bike or walk instead of driving. This works wonders for your fitness, mental health, and it can save you money on gas.