Mom Exercise - Scheduling in Exercise

Busy mothers, with small children, work, and other appointments find it especially

Maybe it is important to remember that even ten minute intervals of exercise have lasting benefits.  The next time you have a small slice of time, fit some cardiovascular exercise into it. Even jogging on the spot will help!

If you can manage some exercise regularly, you probably will never have to ask "how can I lose fat?" again. Try and implement these tips.

1. The biggest obstacle to Mom exercise is excuses. 

We all know that if exercise is no fun, we will use any excuse in the book to get out of it.  If something is boring you will be more reluctant to find the time to do it.  Moms, it is important to get over this hurdle. Try and find out what you enjoy.

2. There’s no one exercise that works for everyone.

Personally I like walking, but others like more vigorous activity.  There are people who love kickboxing, I find it far too difficult (have to keep my age in mind!)  Figure out what you like to do.  Once you know what type of exercise would be fun for you, start finding the time to do it.

3. The best place is to start with your morning routine. 

Moms usually rise early to get the day started for the family.  If you wake early to lay out clothes or fix breakfast, do these things the night before.  With the early morning chores out of the way, you have some free time to go on a brisk walk. 

4. Consider making breakfast the previous evening!

Moms usually make lunches the night before, so why not breakfast too?  This can be a great help for the mom who needs to find time to exercise.  If breakfast consists of a home cooked meal, switch to an easier menu on the days that you exercise.  Cereal bars, cold cereal, or even fruit smoothies can shorten breakfast preparation time. There is no need to skimp on breakfast simply because it is not a hot cooked meal.

5. Get in a quick workout.  

There are lots of thirty minute workout tapes on the market these days.  Pop the tape or DVD in the player and get started.  If a vigorous workout is too much for you in the morning, try a stretching routine that will get those muscles energized and awaken the entire body.

6. Schedule a sitter:

If afternoons are better for you (it is for me, I cannot get going in the morning,) set up a schedule with a sitter.  Start off with one or two days a week.  Ask a friend to watch your children for an hour or so.  This will give you time to workout (factor in driving time if you join a gym) and shower and change. There are many gyms these days that have 30 minute workouts tailored for women. An afternoon workout may be just the boost you need to get through the evening at home with increased energy. If you join a gym, try and get one that has child care facilities as that takes care of the sitter problem.

7. Use the kids nap time for some exercise:

A stay at home mom is busy, but has a better advantage as far as workout time.  When the kids go down for a nap, pop in an exercise video and get to work.  If that won’t do, consider a day out with other moms in the park.

8. Take turns to watch the kids:

Another good idea is to take turns watching the children while the other moms take a jog or a bicycle ride.  Depending on how long you plan on being in the park, everyone in your group should get at least twenty or thirty minutes to exercise.  Having someone else to exercise with is also a plus.

9. Do not neglect your stretches

Even if time is limited, try and do your stretches after you have completed your workout. I often do stretches in front of the TV.

With a little planning, mom exercise should be doable. Start small and build up. Once you get in the habit of exercises and it is bearing fruit in the sense of more energy and a trimmer body, you will find it easier to carry on.