Squeezing a regular exercise routine into an already crowded schedule can be really difficult. For a mom that already juggles work, house chores, and kids it is even more complicated to stick to the goal of being fit. You know what we are talking about if you have ever paid for a gym membership, went for a couple of days in a row, and then skipped one because you had to take your kid to the dentist. It all starts with that one day, and then you might as well throw away the gym card. It is not all that bad, though. You can still find some precious sweat time if you do it in the comfort of your home. Now, before you start your jumping jacks and planks, there are some things you should consider.
Find the Time
If this were some magazine, by now you would have thrown it against the wall and said: “Yeah, right, as if I did not know that”. Here is the thing, though – if you are leaving your workout sessions for when you have the time, you will never do it. Instead, you should wake up early (and we mean 5 a.m. early), break some sweat, get a shower and start the day energized. You can also squeeze in strength training and lift some weights while your kids are eating, or why not, even lift the groceries bags on the way to the parking lot. Get some mommy cardio, by running with your kids or including them in your workout sessions.
Get Rid of Distractions
The usual professional deformity of a mother is her multitasking tendency, but you need to remember that with exercising there is no such thing as multitasking, not even when you are making 30 seconds or a one-minute break. You will not need your TV turned on, especially not your computer with all those little email windows popping up. You can leave your phone in another room too unless you are using it to play music or watch workout instructions. Talk to your family and ask them to leave you alone for a while so you can focus on your workout routine in the best way possible. Whatever is going on, it can wait until you are done, and once you have completed your routine, you will be able to focus on your partner and kids more adequately.
Suit Up
We know you are thinking that you could just wake up and do the workout in your pajamas, and you could, but your workout clothes can have some impact on your performance and, especially, your comfort. Cotton might be great for watching sports, but not for practicing it. Instead, opt for performance fabrics (bamboo pulp, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, etc.). Get a pair of workout socks and running/basketball/tennis shoes. Also, if you are a lady, make sure you do not forget those comfy leggings that will boost your performance and give you more strength to keep going, but they will also make you look better than ever and feel amazing. Even though you are working out at home, you will feel like a real athlete and that is the best way to make sure you are doing the right thing with your workouts.
Be Safe
There is a reason why gym instructors need a certificate in order to work, and it is not just their exceptional physique. They know how to perform a workout, when your pain is good and when bad, how to recuperate from an injury, how to avoid it in the first place, etc. Since you do not have the time for that, move on to other resources, such as carefully watching YouTube videos, warming up before and stretching after the workout, or asking for advice through online doctor consultation.
Create Your Own Gym
This, of course, does not mean you should spend tons of money on buying expensive gym equipment. Rather, you should create an exercise-friendly environment in your home. Choose an (almost) empty room, get a gym mat and some basic equipment (dumbbells, exercise bands, Pilates ball, free-standing punching bag, jump rope, and core training wheels), hang some motivational posters on the wall, and you are good to go.
Now you are finally ready to get back in shape and look and feel like the supermom you already are. Good luck!
