We moms tend to live pretty busy lives and it can be tough to fit in exercise. You see all these moms everywhere who seem to be running marathons or at the very least exercising regularly when you can barely find time to walk to the mailbox. Don’t give up; you just need some realistic fitness tips for moms to inspire you!
Seriously, how can you even think about running 5 miles a day when your days are so full? You change diapers, wipe dirty faces, kiss boo boos, attempt to clean, make meals that you can only hope the children will eat, then turn around and do it all over again.
It’s easy to get caught up in the midst of everything and not find time for yourself. But you can’t afford to do that. If you don’t take care of yourself, it will catch up to you and affect, not only you, but your entire family.
In truth, by looking after ourselves, we are taking care of our family. And one important way to do so is to stay active.
Usually, when I hear “exercise,” I think of gyms and work-out sessions with a trainer, etc. Me? I can’t afford a gym membership and even if I could, I don’t have the time! Plus I wouldn’t know what to do with my little ones. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t exercise and stay in shape. And that’s where these realistic fitness tips for busy moms come in handy.
For some of us, exercising may be about the number on the scale or the size of our clothes, but that’s not what my focus is here. I exercise because I feel great when I do. I feel more alive and it puts me in a great mood. I have more energy and I’m more likely to make healthier eating choices.
So here’s a few realistic fitness tips for busy moms that will help you stay active and healthy without that expensive gym membership.
Simple Fitness Tips for Moms
1) Walk as much as you can
Pay attention to little things like parking farther away, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, etc. This activity does add up and help you get some exercise.
2) Take simple walks around the neighborhood with your kids.
It doesn’t have to be about speed walking and getting your heart rate up. Those are good things, but if you have small children walking with you (in my case, I push Luke in the stroller but 3 year old Joshua walks), it’s not realistic. Just enjoy the fresh air and the time outside with your kids. Not only are you getting some activity, but you’re teaching your children that it’s important to be active.
3) Try an exercise DVD.
Here in New Hampshire, the weather often makes it impossible for us to take a daily walk, especially during the upcoming winter season. So I depend on my work-out DVDs (my favorite is my Leslie Sansone Walk at Home
DVD) to help me stay consistently active. I’m not talking about one of the strenuous “get fit now” series that are so popular now days, but a simple 20-30 minute walk/jog at home in my living room. That’s what works for me and I find it easy to fit into my busy schedule.
Another advantage to my daily exercise DVD is that it encourages my kids to stay active too, just like our walks. They often join in and I really enjoy the time we spend together exercising.
4.) Play with the kids.
Join a dance party and shake your booty! You’ll burn calories while you spend time with your kids! It doesn’t get much better than that!
Do what works for you. Don’t give up because you don’t have an hour a day (or even 30 minutes) to devote to staying active. These realistic fitness tips for busy moms can and do add up and you will find yourself healthier, both mentally and physically.
Michelle Pelletier says
Great post! Great advice too!!
Marie Howard says
So true about paying attention to little things. I park my car away from the entrance to stores and walk back and forth to the shops instead of driving to each. It just adds more steps to my day without feeling like exercise.
Debi says
Great advice. It is important to get it in where you can, without thinking gym all the time.
Anne says
Great tips, moms need to fit exercise in where they can! I enjoy exercise dvds, and sometimes the kids do them with me.
LisaLisa says
I want to say THANKS so much for writing this post. Sometimes it is so hard trying to fit fitness in my daily routine. Love the tips and Thanks again!!
Have Sippy Will Travel Mommy Blogger says
just keep moving! lol
Jeana says
If you can afford it, get a Fitbit. It will do wonders for your motivation!!!
Kelli says
Great post! Getting exercise in was so much easier when I only had one kiddo!,
tonygreene113 says
Walking for me is alot better on my joints. With the weather here in Florida being optimal all year round, it’s good for me and the girls to adventure out sometime.
BusyMomiBee says
Great tips! I was just telling my friend today that I feel like a maid. My husband and I love taking walks with the kids and find it is a great workout especially if we trying to keep up with them on their bikes or scooters:)
md kennedy says
I keep reading that if you take 10,000 steps a day that is sufficient activity to keep you healthy. I just ordered a pedometer for my sister because I bet, with 2 kids, she gets tice that in a day!
Weight Loss Tips Fitness says
I do not drop many remarks, however I read a ton
of responses on Realistic Fitness Tips for Busy Moms – Musings From a Stay At Home Mom.
I do have a few questions for you if you do not mind.
Could it be just me or does it look like like a few of the remarks appear like they are
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social sites, I’d like to follow everything fresh you have to post. Would you make a list of every one of all your shared sites like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?
Linda says
Nice article! I recently wrote about the same topic on my blog, but this has some great tips I didn’t think of. Thanks for sharing!
Evelyn Taylor says
Thanks for sharing these tips! I could not agree more with what you stated in this post! Who HAS the time?
For me, I used to make excuses when it comes to going for a walk after my 9-5 job. I’ve gotten better with a jogging stroller – that way I get an exercise + I get to spend time with the kids. Win-win!
Cheers,
Evelyn
Beth Martel says
Being a mom makes it hard for me to go to the gym. After reading your article, i can workout from home through dvd. So glad i read this today and i will be able to practice this all at home soon. Thank youu
Lucy says
OMG I wish I had the time. Then again… running after my 2 yr old is more than enough exercise LOL
PVF says
Thanks for these fitness tips!