6 Tips For Fitting Working Out Into Your Schedule as a Busy Mom

Being a mother doesn’t leave time for much, and working out is probably the last thing on your mind after a day wrangling kiddos. However, working out is actually incredibly important for new and seasoned mothers. If you’re not keeping your body active, you could end up with heart disease and other conditions that will prevent you from being an active, healthy mom.

Some parents use the excuse of “my workout is dealing with the kids all day”, and while we’re certainly not arguing that it’s exhausting, it’s not the right kind of workout. You’re not targeting specific muscle groups or engaging in high-intensity cardio. Adults should get at least 150 minutes of cardio every week. Have you had yours this week?

We’ve put together this guide to six tips for fitting a workout in five times per week—even if you’re a busy mom. It is possible, and we’re here to help!

1. Schedule Some You Time

You’re probably thinking, “Tell me something I don’t know!” We understand that getting “you” time is difficult, but it should honestly be a top priority for you as a parent. Why? Because if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t possibly take care of another human effectively. Remember that pre-flight speech the attendant gave you last year on your way to Miami? Always put your own oxygen mask on before you try to help others. This is a metaphor for parenthood and for life; help yourself first.

If you have a partner, you can simply ask them to watch the kids so you can work out. If you don’t have a partner, you can hire a sitter, ask a family member, or enlist your best friend to help you out. 

2. Have Goals

It’s much easier to start and maintain a routine when you have specific goals in mind. It’s not enough to say “I want to lose weight”, as this is too general a statement. Set specific weight goals. Do you want to lose five pounds? Ten? Twenty? One hundred? Then, set a time limit. Be reasonable, of course; you can’t shed one hundred pounds in three weeks without some intensive surgery.

3. Include Your Kids

Some parents find it easier to get their workout in when they include the kids. If you have a home gym, it’s never too early to start instilling good habits in your kids’ brains. Physical activity is great for both mental and physical health, but you don’t want your five-year-old trying to lift weights. Keep it light for the kids, but include them in your cardio routine. Remember the sets of jumping jacks you used to do in grade school? Jumping jacks, jump rope, and other seemingly “juvenile” exercises actually offer great opportunities to get some good cardio in! And kids love them.

You’ll probably be sore after a full day of running with the kids and exercising, but that’s why Evn CBD is here! The company offers a full lineup of CBD products for the working mother that provide a more natural approach to pain and anxiety relief.

4. Short And Sweet

You can work out multiple times per day in short bursts and still get a good workout in. Kids’ naptime? Grab some cardio before they wake up. Lunchtime? Have your partner take over while you hit the bench for a quick set. There are plenty of opportunities to squeeze in workouts, but our brains are always looking for excuses as to why we can’t. I don’t have time is a classic excuse, but think about it; did you really run out of time? What did you do during the kids’ naptime? 

Working out can help you feel more energized throughout the day so you’re not so prone to parental burnout. Yes, it happens, and yes it can be damaging. When you run out of energy, you simply become burnt out, even on something as wonderful as parenting.

5. Accountability

Whether it’s a fitness app, your best friend, or your partner, anything or anyone that helps hold you accountable can be a great ally in your struggle to maintain a workout routine. It’s hard, we get it. But it’s not impossible. Enlist the help of the fitness community via an app, or bring those you love into the fold to help you stay focused, reach your goals, and exceed your expectations. Often, our loved ones can be our greatest motivators and supporters!

6. Don’t Beat Yourself Up

Parents are usually quite hard on themselves. It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day routine of parenting and forget about yourself, but remember that it’s ok to make a mistake sometimes. It’s going to happen! You’re only human, and no one can do everything. Whether you’re a single parent or happily partnered, parenting is a big job that can take a lot of energy.

Don’t worry too much if you miss a workout here and there. Just don’t make it a habit, and come back stronger the next time you work out; determined to reach your goals and stay active.