Squeezing Exercise Into The Busy Mom Life
Fitness Friday: Throwback to one of my earliest blog posts to remind myself where I’ve been and where I’m going…
From the moment we squeeze our little bundles of joy through the birth canal (or the c-section incision in my case), we are faced with the daunting task of squeezing a million new responsibilities in our busy lives and squeezing back into our pre-pregnancy jeans. With all this squeezing going on, where does exercise fit? Here are some ideas I am currently working out. (pardon the pun)
- Active Play: In my opinion, this is ridiculously important for a number of reasons. #1: It allows for mama, baby bonding. #2: It allows us to slowly ease back into exercise after the trauma of child birth. #3 If you are able to go outside, the sun can do wonders for the baby blues (or the whole post partum enchilada for me). Active Play is an evolving skill. In the beginning, it may involve singing and dancing while cradling your young one, but before you know it, you will be ready to hit the swings and other equipment at the local park or yard. I like to make an adventure out of seeing all of the parks in my city and comparing the best and worst. Right now, Miles also loves the tickle monster out to get him as he crawls around the house, yard, or campsite. Even these small games can work up a sweat!
- Kinect (or other console): When you are ready to focus on a more regimented exercise program, I highly recommend the X-Box Kinect. If you’ll use it, the investment is well worth it! You can choose from a wide variety of games to suit your interests. For a fun workout, I like Dance Central, Zumba Fitness, and Kinect Adventures. For more serious cardio and weights, I like Your Shape: Fitness Evolved. I set up a cheap TV in the garage and I get to it after the baby goes down for bed at night. Working out at the end of a stressful workday, can be a lifesaver for the anxious type like me.
- That’s how I stroll: If you are just starting a running program, I recommend the Couch to 5K app. I have a pretty nice jogging stroller, so Miles can work on his Crib to 5K with me. When possible, I time my Saturday jog with Miles’s morning nap so that Dad can stay at home with him, while I get my LMFAO radio on. Stroller or solo, I ALWAYS feel better after a nice long run.
- Timing: Like most things in a busy mom’s life, it is all about timing. On the weekdays, I work out after 7pm when Miles goes to sleep for the night. This means, mostly Kinect or a quick run before the sun goes down in the summer months. Being consistent with the timing and sticking to my routine helps me to stay on track. When I get out of my routine for whatever reason, working out is one of the easiest things to drop.
Park Time!
What tips or tricks do you have for staying active as a busy mom?
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
{Melinda} Well, my kids are 16 and 13 and I still haven’t found the magic formula!! Maybe when they’re in college??
Mothering From Scratch recently posted..it’s my party … oh wait, it’s not!
Haha! I have a long way until college, so I better keep trying now!
sooo tough…and i agree with Melinda above…WHERE’S THE MAGIC FORMULA?
i get up at 4:30am right now…that’s just WHEN i can fit in WHAT i want to do..which is crossfit right now…the running gave me severe plantar faciitis…and to avoid steroid injections i’m not running, or jumping for that matter (which makes double unders soooo much fun on one foot). i’m too tired at night, it’s not my thing…and what keeps me moving? the scale…my clothes, the fact that i’d rather hate getting up in the morning than hate what i see when i look in the mirror…i just DO it….
jackie recently posted..oh the stuff i’ve learned…
I wish I had a super early cross fit around here! Sorry to hear about the feet, but of course you’re not letting a little thing like SEVERE plantar faciitious get you down. You inspire me! (Seems like I’ve said that before…but it is always true!)
Very impressive time management. You still managed to have a good exercise no matter how busy you are.
Sarah Park recently posted..Business Etiquette Guide
I like to go down the route of pumping up my chores to get the heart going. By this I mean I do everything at a high tempo whether it’s scrubbing the dishes, hanging up the washing or cleaning the windows – I don’t do these things leisurely, I really go for it – saves time too!
Gabbie recently posted..How To Stay Motivated On Your Diet
So true!
Hands down…sticking with a routine is the most important part. I’m really looking forward to the warmer months so I can take one of the girls out in the jogging stroller for my weekend/night jog. Something to consider…when your son is a little bit older, let him join in with you. The three year old tries to do Pilates with me, and it’s hilarious to watch her versions of the routines.
Leslie recently posted..30 Things My Children Should Know About Me
I particularly enjoyed the part when you mentioned Kinect.I am a fan of video games and if you incorporate that to getting some form of exercise, i would be in heaven. Thanks for sharing.