As busy moms, we are focused on healthy meal planning, grocery shopping, sporting events, homework, what needs to be ironed for the next days work, cleaning up after the dog, cleaning up after hubby…you get the point, right moms?
Well, before you start screaming, please take a moment to sit and think about what is really important to you.
- Do you want more energy?
- Are you looking to reduce stress?
- Is there a special event coming up that you would like to look extra special for?
- Would you be happy with more fun moments with your friends and family?
- Want to reduce medical bills?
Did you know that through exercise you could quite possibly achieve it all? No kidding! An article from the Mayo Clinic even goes on to praise exercise for a better sex life.
Here are 5 fabulous ways to sneak in exercise:
1. Include your family – Take walks after dinner, go on weekend bike rides, play ball in the park. My favorite way to include my husband and children is to have the kids ride their bikes while we adults jog alongside them. Along the way we also make it educational by checking in with the surrounding nature.
2. Make television time active time – Are you someone who makes it a priority to catch up on your favorite television shows? Make that potentially not-so-good habit into a better one! This can be as simple as performing a set of great crunches and some heart pumping mountain climbers. Do this through a full hour of shows with minimal resting, and you will walk away from the television dripping in sweat!
3. Bath time can be fit time – Do your kids like to play in the tub? Let them play while you do some squats, pushups, lunges, and my personal favorite: jump-squats. Of course, please be mindful of space and use safety precautions with bath water splashes. (smile!)
4.Use lunchtime as a socially fit time – Whether you go to an office or run your own business, use the lunch hour as a time to socialize and get out for a walk. You will be reducing stress with an exercise induced endorphin release as well as girl talk.
5. The early bird catches the worm – As it may seem daunting for some at first, I can assure you that many busy moms find that getting up a bit earlier to do something healthy for themselves, reaps many benefits. Set that alarm clock 20 minutes earlier a few days a week and gradually increase the time through the next few months. Then check back in here and let us know how amazing you feel and look!
One last thought: “If you really want do something, you will find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.” -Jim Rohn
Quinoa the Superfood