With groceries to buy, a baby to feed and a career to maintain, it can be difficult to carve out time for a workout. Be resourceful and start combining your everyday tasks with simple calorie-burning stretches and uncommon aerobic exercises. Here are four fitness tips for busy moms.
1. Ditch the Stroller
If you’re a new mom, consider leaving the stroller in the car. When running light errands or tidying the house carry your baby using a baby sling or your arms, recommends Yvonne Levy, a mommy blogger on Frugal Happy Families. The extra weight of the baby will force you to stand up straight and work those abdominals. Bonus!
2. Play, Too!
Do you take your child to the park to expend his energy? Instead of sitting on a park bench and catching up on emails or chatting on the phone — go play. Challenge your little one to a race across the monkey bars. This will get your blood pumping and stretch those arm muscles. If your child meets with other children for a game of tag, join in. You’ll burn a few extra calories by running around the park while enjoying some bonding time with your little one and his friends.
3. Every Minute Counts
When you’re a busy mom, learn to use every minute of the day. If you’re picking up your kids from school, and you have five minutes before the bell rings, get out of the car. Go for a short walk around the school grounds and meet your child at the door. And remember to park at the back of the parking lot. This gives you extra time to chat with your child, walk a little extra and stay away from busy school bus traffic.
4. Schedule Workouts
You already schedule your children’s weekend activities and after-school practices into your day. Why not set aside an extra 30 minutes for yourself? When you’re busy you simply have to add your fitness needs to the schedule recommends Kim Summers, an ACE-certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. Your activities are just as important was every other member of the family.