Women's Journal

8 Tricks to Find Time to Exercise During the Day as a Mom

8 Tricks to Find Time to Exercise During the Day as a Mom
Photo: Unsplash.com

Being a parent is time-consuming. Finding the time to work out can be tricky for anyone, especially those with children!

Yet we all know what the benefits of exercise are, and if you’re reading this article, you most likely want to know how you can experience them despite your busy schedule. Exercise can be one of the most efficient forms of self-care, with scientifically proven benefits related to improving your mental health, maintaining muscle mass and a beautiful figure even as you age, pain relief, and more.

With that in mind, here are eight tips to fit a workout into your schedule, even as a busy mom:

1. Exercise with the Kids

You have kids, and maybe they like to play sports or run around. If your child is interested, getting involved in their favorite physical activities can be a great way to get some exercise in and bond with your child.

If nothing else, most children and their parents can enjoy a day at the beach or the park together.

2. Accept that a Short Workout is Better than No Workout

Kids can be demanding. Sometimes, making the time for a solid 20-30 minutes of exercise isn’t possible, regardless of whether it’s due to your schedule or mental fatigue. This might mean adjusting your goals to be more modest because if you can make time for even 5 minutes of moderate exercise, that’s still an improvement over 0 minutes.

3. Work Out with a Friend or Partner

Involving another person can add accountability when you don’t feel like doing anything!

4. Join a Gym with Child Watch Services

The most well-known and reputable gym that doubles as a short-term child watch center. These services are often more affordable than you’d think, and the kids are guaranteed to be entertained while you’re lifting weights or swimming laps in the pool!

5. Reduce Time Spent in the Gym by Working Out More Efficiently

Yes, we mean what we’re saying here. It is possible to workout less often but with the same intensity as your normal workout routines. Specialized gym equipment, such as those used for infrared workouts, can give you the same results as a lengthy HIIT workout in only a fraction of the time!

6. Find Ways to Multitask

Squats while unloading the dishwasher? Running on the treadmill while catching up on a television show? It can be tricky to focus your attention in two places while exercising at first, but you’re a mom – we know you can do it.

7. Schedule Your Workouts and Commit to Them

If your kids don’t wake up until a certain time in the morning or always go to a friend’s house on Saturdays, that is your ideal time to work out sans distractions. Now, it’s just a matter of adding it to your schedule and working out consistently during that period.

8. Make It a Family Workout Time

This works especially well for younger kids, who are still awestruck by their mom and inspired by everything she does. Research safe exercises for your child to do at their age, and encourage them to exercise with you.

Published by: Holy Minoza

This article features branded content from a third party. Opinions in this article do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of Women's Journal.