Learn about different strategies you can use to stay fit while still being super-mom for your little ones. If you have recently become a new mom, you don’t need an explanation of how big of a life change you are currently going through. Whether it is constant trips to the store, keeping your home in order, or the new parental challenges that accompany raising kids, it can be easy to let your normal routine fall by the wayside.
Unfortunately, when regular exercise is excluded from your weekly routine, you will begin to feel the difference. Lack of exercise can lead to stiff joints, back pain, trouble sleeping—and even more symptoms that make motherhood even more difficult. So, to make sure you are taking care of both yourself and your children, let’s look at a few strategies you can use to stay active, no matter your busy schedule.
Get Cardio Wherever You Can
If you have very young children, you can make them a part of your exercise routine. Become the ultimate multitasker with a mini elliptical that fits underneath your desk. Though right now it may seem nearly impossible to get the cardio you need, there are ways you can stay active as a busy mom without the need for a gym or a sitter. When it comes to cardio, there are lots of ways you can include your children while you stay fit. A great way to get started is to get the right kind of exercise. We’re going to start out by talking about exercise equipment that fits under your desk.
There are several different types of desk exercise equipment that you can use in your home to stay fit without having to leave the house. One of these pieces of equipment is called a mini elliptical. The mini elliptical is like a foot pedal that you can use while you answer emails, have playtime with your kids, or even while you are watching movies or TV with your children. By using the elliptical, you can burn calories and get some extra cardio while you are sitting down. This type of desk exercise equipment is also perfect for moms that are balancing mom life with working from home!
Another great way to get your cardio in as a busy mom is by investing in a jogging stroller. If you are already an experienced runner, then this thought has probably already occurred to you. With a jogging stroller, you can get your run in and relax your child through the rhythmic movement of your run. Just like you lull your child to sleep with a rocking motion, they are relaxed by the constant motion of the stroller. By integrating either a jogging stroller or a piece of desk exercise equipment into your life, you’ll have more daily opportunities to be active as a busy mom.
Use Resistance Bands or Household Items to Build Strength
By combining cardio with resistance training, you’ll feel healthier and more energetic. Prioritize easily accessible workouts you can complete in short periods of time. As a parent of young children, finding time to go to the gym seems impossible. Plus, there isn’t always a budget for an at-home treadmill or a full set of weights. That’s why it is a good idea to get your resistance training from low-cost accessories and items you already have in your house. One of the best ways to get resistance training is by purchasing resistance bands that you can use while you’re at home. Resistance bands are low cost and can be stored away super easily.
After all, not everyone has the space for lots of exercise equipment. The individual resistance bands represent different weights, so you can level up to new resistance bands over time. There are also objects that are already available in your home that you can use for weight training purposes. For example, a gallon jug of water makes a great DIY at-home weight. You could also use individual water bottles for smaller weights.
When you rely on these easy-to-use, easy-to-access, and easy-to-transport resistance training methods, you can find ways to exercise no matter where motherhood takes you. Whether it is a weekend trip out of town or visiting family for the holidays, these exercise techniques won’t be far out of reach.
Work Out With Other Moms
Make lasting connections and burn calories with other moms—the benefits are endless. Find support from your fellow moms! Staying fit isn’t something that you have to do all by yourself. In fact, most mothers of young children are searching for ways they can stay active. So, why not find other moms in your area that you can share tips? Through social media platforms like Facebook, it is easy to join a local group of new parents who are focused on staying active.
Through these groups, you can meet new people and even schedule times during the day for play dates or walks. When you have others to hold you accountable for your workouts, it becomes much easier to stick to your fitness goals. Even if you should stray away from your goals, you will still have a community to fall back on when you decide it’s time to get started once again. It is also commonly reported that loneliness is common among new parents. When you find a community of like-minded parents that prioritize staying active, you’ll likely feel more supported as you balance your fitness with parenthood.
Play Sports With Your Children
As your children age, you can take part in their favorite activities as well.Plan activities where you can get exercise with your children. Parents with very young children need to find ways to work out around their children’s activities. As we explored in earlier sections, it can be difficult to get away from parental duties for a few minutes in order to break a sweat. However, when your children get older, there are far more opportunities for you to participate in your children’s activities!
If your child is involved in a school sport or has an interest in outdoor activities, you can easily stay fit by taking part in these activities. For example, maybe your child is showing interest in playing soccer. You might take time after school to kick the ball around your yard or a local park. If your child is more into the outdoors, you can take them hiking with an outdoor club or just for fun! Young kids love to try new things and explore, so you can try out their interests with them. Not only are you showing support for your child, but you are taking steps to stay fit at the same time. You may even find out your child is a little protege in their chosen sport!
Staying active isn’t just about staying in shape or burning calories. It is about taking care of yourself, so you can better take care of your children. By using these strategies, you can turn 15-minute windows of free time into productive time exercising. Eventually, these small windows of time spent exercising will add up, and you’ll feel better than ever. Then, as your children get older, you can stay active by participating in their favorite activities!
