You may have heard of “No Excuse” mom Maria Kang who went viral last year with a photo of her three kids alongside her six-pack abs. Some may have found the caption “What’s your excuse?” offensive, but many found it motivational. It’s no secret that we moms put most of our time and energy into our families while de-prioritizing ourselves. What if we redirected some of that focus back onto ourselves? What if we stopped making excuses and started re-prioritizing? Your goal may not be a six-pack, but physical fitness should be. Here are seven tips to make working out work for you:
- Make time. Pencil your workout into your daily schedule. Whether it’s a quick 10-minute high intensity workout at home or a 45-minute gym session, give it priority. Make scheduling your workout as important as scheduling appointments for the kids or shuttling them to soccer practice. You’ll be more likely to follow through if it’s already in your planner.
- Find your golden hour. Tonganoxie mom Alicia Wylie says she works out in the early morning hours before her son wakes up. “I work out at 5:15 so that I’m home before my husband has to leave for work,” she says. “Working out in the morning allows my evenings to be free for family activities.” Mom of three Ashley Gepner says she typically works out at naptime. In the summer, I go for evening runs while my husband puts the kids to sleep. Perhaps you’re cranky in the morning, but ready to give it your all in the evening. Maybe midday lunch hour at work is when you feel most energized. Finding your golden hour is about finding a time that works best for you so that you can stick with it.
- Join a gym. I used to log onto BodyRock.tv every morning for my workout. I’d sit the boys down with art supplies or a cartoon to keep them occupied while I exercised. Inevitably, after the first five minutes every single time, somebody would need something. One of them was thirsty; the other was hungry. They didn’t like the cartoon I had put on or they became bored with coloring. My workout would sometimes take half the morning because of the number of times I’d get interrupted. Last year, I finally decided to join a gym. The childcare watch has been so valuable to me and allows the kids time to socialize and play.
- Take it outdoors with the kids. Desiree Kenney, mom of one, says, “While the kids are playing, I do lunges across the backyard or stretch. I have a mat in the outdoor toy box that I take out as well to do floor exercises.” Basehor mom Jana Deters says, “I put my little ones in the jogging stroller and go for a run. They love looking at the animals and tractors nearby, and I get in a great workout. Pushing an extra 70 pounds is great for the arms!”
- Pop in a DVD. Olathe mom of three Karen Johnson says, “I tried so many things over the years, but finally found luck with Jillian Michaels’ DVDs, because they’re 20-minute, high intensity workouts. I would get interrupted 12 times during a typical 60-minute workout, but 20 is much easier to fit in.”
- Go tech. Tonganoxie mom Erin Wiruth-Pavlovich says, “I downloaded the 7 Minute Workout app on my iPad. It’s pretty intense! Even better, it’s free!” According to PCMag.com, other top workout apps include Runtastic and GAIN Fitness. They can be downloaded onto a tablet or phone, allowing ease of workouts wherever you might be.
- Develop a support system. According to AceFitness.org, “Surrounding yourself with people who encourage and support your fitness goals is crucial to your adherence. Grab a friend and go for a walk or meet up a few times every week for a gym date. Aside from friends and family, there are online support systems to keep you on track as well. Look up local Facebook fitness groups for accountability partners.”
Above all, be realistic. I’m not a fitness guru. I don’t work out every single day. I do, however, understand the importance of staying fit. Not only is it a confidence booster, but it’s also a stress reliever. Taking time to prioritize myself has made all the difference in how I approach the other aspects of my life. No more excuses—it’s time to get moving!
Jennifer Bosse is an active mom of two, living in Kansas City.