To Your Health
August, 2008 (Vol. 02, Issue 08) |
|
|
Exercise Solutions for Busy Moms
By Editorial Staff
If your average day is a mad rush to get the kids ready for school, run errands, pick the kids up from school, make dinner, get everyone ready for bed, and do a million things in between, when do you find time to exercise? And that's if you're a stay-at-home mom.
Fortunately, there are a variety of easy exercise solutions that can keep you in shape and motivated regardless of your hectic schedule.
Make the time. If it means waking up an hour earlier than usual to jog or taking more walks around the office, do what it takes to get your body moving on a regular basis. Is exercise important to you? Then make it a priority.
Stick to a schedule. It's far too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of all your "other" daily responsibilities and leave exercise out. Schedule time each day to work out, whether at the gym or at home.
Don't limit yourself. If you think you don't have the time (or money) to go to a gym, develop an exercise routine at home. These days, all it takes is a mat, an exercise ball and a few light weights (at the most) to tone and shape your body.
Consolidate your workout. Combining multiple exercises simultaneously will save time and burn more calories. The best example of this approach is a step class or aerobic routine that gets the entire body involved.
Find a support system. For many people, self-motivation is a big issue when it comes to starting and sticking to an exercise routine. Enlist a friend, neighbor or family member to exercise with you - or at least hold you accountable.
Get your kids involved. While you're investing so much time and energy into your children, why not exercise with them? Ride bikes, spend a day at the pool - there are a variety of ways to keep the entire family in shape while teaching them the value of regular exercise. Remember, they learn from your example.
