If you've already rocked some rehabilitation exercises chances are you're beginning to think about the best way to be active with your new mom status. And while it can be overwhelming, it is possible to find some time for yourself!
Let's face it, time is a precious commodity as a mom. Once your babes eyes close for a nap it's not a breath to yourself but a mad dash against the clock to see what you can get done! And thus, fitness normally takes a back burner to the rest of the to-do list.
But I urge you not to let it become that way.
Many moms fail at getting back into being active simply because they think it takes too much time.
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I can hear it now: who has time to go to the gym four days per week each week?? And it's not just one hour at the gym, it's the drive there, the time changing, warming up. Before you know it, a simple trip takes just under two hours. And NO mama has time for that!
But it doesn't have to be that way.
Below are four tips to help you find time for fitness within your mom life.
Tip #1 Understand It's Not All Or Nothing
Having a plan is great. Even better if said plan is practical. But getting back into the fitness game doesn't have to be all or nothing.
Just because you had to cut your workout short or you missed one day doesn't mean you've failed! Something is always better than nothing so don't beat yourself up. Even if your workouts are sporadic, it's a start. And everyone has to start somewhere.
Tip #2 Use At Home Workouts
Sometimes, it is just not practical for mamas to run off to the gym for a sweat session. But I still believe that doing some activity is beneficial not because you need to look a certain way, but because workouts are a great way to keep you sane.
So if time is a factor for you, plan to do your workouts at home. There are lots of great bodyweight exercises to chose from or, you can invest in some bands (about thirty bucks) which will broaden what you can do. Either way, it'll save you travel time! Click here for 11 Of My Favorite Bodyweight Exercises.
Tip #3 Keep Your Workouts Quick Or Break Them Up
One of the cardinal mommy rules is to keep your workouts quick but effective. Hour or longer workouts are just not going to happen as often as you might like with kids. Instead, make your workouts around the 30-40 minute mark. Here are a few great at home workout routines you can use.
On that note, it's okay to break up your workouts sometimes! While Baby Bear is normally great at being in the studio with me, she does occasionally get whiny halfway through my workout. Since she's my priority, the workout stops, we play and eventually I finish later on in the day. You're still being active, hitting your sets and reps but the workout is broke up so intensity might be a bit less that day. So what? Life happens.
Tip #4 Workout With Your Babe
I've been working out with Baby Bear since she was able to watch me, so she is pretty comfortable with me in the studio. Working out with your baby is an awesome way to ease back into fitness. There are lots of mommy fitness groups (please please please make sure the instructor is a post natal specialist - there are far to many PT's who just don't have the post labor knowledge needed to work with new mamas) you can attend.
Or, just workout with your baby while playing. They love being held, sitting on your lap and moving with you so why not show them fitness can be fun? Once they're older they can joint you and it's a fun way to get some mama & baby time while also staying active.
Don't forget to pin these tips for moms!
As a mama it's important to stay fit and active not to look good but to keep you sane and maintain the ability to keep up with energizer bunny like kids. Every heard the saying "Happy Mama Happy House"?. You don't need to let fitness take priority over everything, but there are lots of ways to work it into your weeks!
Stay fit mamas.
What's your favorite way to stay active as a mama?
Need more help? Here's why moms should Workout At Home
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