Moms meet the needs of their families all day but often neglect their own needs, including healthy eating and exercise.
Running your kids around all day may feel like a workout, but moms need dedicated exercise time to keep weight under control, strengthen muscles and bones, feel energized and improve overall health.
Personal time
Busy moms often feel they don't have time to stop for exercise, but a workout gives you time to yourself that you wouldn't otherwise get. Think of your workout as your own personal time to relieve stress and take care of yourself.
Many workouts facilitate this alone time to reconnect with yourself. Try running or walking on a local trail or yoga in the backyard before the kids wake up. Swimming is another physical activity that allows you time alone.
Break it up
If setting aside 30 or more minutes for exercise isn't possible with your busy schedule, break your daily exercise into two or more sessions. Start out with a 15-minute yoga session in the morning to give yourself a relaxing start to the day.
Squeeze in 10 to 20 minutes of strength training during nap time. Take a quick walk around the neighborhood before dinner. Those smaller bursts of exercise help you reach your total goals for the day. Pencil in your shorter exercise sessions so you build them into your day.
Do it together
Active family time means you don't have to spend time away from your family just to get in a workout. If your kids are old enough, walk, bike, skate or swim with them.
Look for new physical activities to enjoy as a family, such as renting a canoe or paddle boat for an afternoon. If you have a baby, spread out a blanket on the floor so you can both enjoy physical activity.
Place your baby on her tummy or sitting up so she can strengthen her muscles. Position yourself so you can make eye contact with her as you do moves like lunges, squats, pushups, crunches and planks.
Multitask
If you can't reduce the commitments in your daily schedule, find ways to multitask so you can workout while you check tasks from your to-do list. Instead of driving, walk your child to school in the morning.
Attach a basket to your bike and use it to run small errands. Get in a quick workout at the soccer field while your kids practice.
Even a trip to the park with the kids provides an opportunity for you to exercise. Run laps around the perimeter or use the equipment to do strength moves like dips or pullups.
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