If you’re anything like me, then your summer fitness routine was pretty much nonexistent. Not that I was sitting around or anything, quite the contrary actually. I had SO much going on, there was really no time to work out, especially since I had three shadows following me around everywhere. From vacations, to amusement park visits, to the pool we were always go go go go. This led me to not eating the very best and really having no time to myself. Well, time to get excited people. It’s back to school time! This means many hours of uninterrupted time for ME. I plan on not only using this time to work, but to workout and really making fitness a HUGE priority for me. Even though all though hours of free time seem like just a bunch of endless opportunities, I know that activities will soon begin to fill up my calendar so to help, I have come up with some tips for making fitness time a reality so you can be a healthier mama.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS and AVOID DAILY CHAIOS
You schedule your children’s events, schedule your workouts, they are just as important
MAKE A LIST OF WORKOUTS THAT INTEREST YOU
No one wants to do something that’s boring and working out is no exception to this. In order to keep your motivation up, you need to find things that are fun for YOU. Whether you can go to a gym or you have to workout at home, there are PLENTY of workouts to choose from. I just recently joined a gym now that my kids are older but for years I was the queen of the at-home workout video. They work just as well and can be great for when you have little kids at home and can’t get away. Make a list of workouts that you find interesting and begin to build your workout plan.
SCHEDULE YOUR WORKOUTS
Just like anything in life, if you don’t make time for it, chances are it’s not going to happen. At the beginning of your week schedule in WHEN you’ll be working out. Whether it’s right first thing in the morning or after the kids are in bed, write it down and stick with it!
IF YOU CAN’T DO A BLOCK, SCHEDULE MINI WORKOUT SESSIONS
This is something I love to do. Even though I’d much rather go and workout for a hour and be done with it, sometimes that just isn’t possible, so on these days, I like to do a bunch of mini workouts, 5-10 minutes at a time that I can do through out the day. All calories burned will add up so just because you have endless appointments or tons of work to do, don’t let that discourage you from getting a workout in. A few minutes are better that zero!
GET YOUR FRIENDS INVOLVED
If you have mom friends that are home during the day, get together a group of them (or even just one!) and help to keep each other motivated. Go to the gym together or go walk on a track- anything is more fun with friends!
PLAN OUT YOUR MEALS
You plan your kid’s lunches out for school, right? So why should your be any different! Make a “healthy lunch” board on Pinterest and start spicing up your own lunch routine with some healthy salads, sandwiches or smoothies that will fill your body with the protein and vitamins you need to get through your whole day.
ELIMINATE AFTER SCHOOL CRAVINGS
Enjoy an after school snack with your children. Fresh fruit and a handful of nuts is a healthy and energizing snack for everyone.
I don’t know about you, but I am thrilled to get back to my fitness routine, and having my kids back in school is going to be the best way for me to get back to being healthier and more fit.
WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR GETTING BACK INTO A FITNESS ROUTINE?
Need some new workout ideas? Check these out!