Exercise tips for busy mothers: A fitness expert shared realistic ways to fit exercise into your daily routine, so you don’t have to go out of the way to stay healthy.
Finding time for gym workouts is sometimes not just impractical but impossible for busy moms. Given their hectic schedules, it is the last thing they’d want to add on their to-do list, but a fitness expert told Moneycontrol that not everything has to be about perfection.
“Between work, errands, meals and more, focusing on their own health and fitness can get pushed down the priority for moms. But the truth is: you actually don’t need hours or a perfect routine to exercise,” said Spoorthi S, a fitness expert at Cult. She added that “working smartly around your schedule and fitting movement into your already existing routine is a better approach than trying to make time.”
5 easy, effective, realistic ways to fit exercise into your routine
1. Wake up at least 30 minutes earlier than usual
Before the kids wake up, if you are able to get a headstart on your day, that’s half the job done. “Just set your alarm 20-30 mins earlier than usual, set out your workout clothes the night before and get started,” Spoorthi said.
2. Involve your kids in the workout
They say kids watch and learn, and if this is going to help you get your workout done and help the kids inculcate better habits, it’s a win-win. “Go for a walk, cycle if you can, or get a run done while they play in the park. Better yet, do a few squats or lunges down the hallway and ask them to copy you,” she recommended.
3. Stack movement into your existing routine
Habit stacking is one of the best strategies for incorporating new habits into existing routines. “Exercising does not always have to be a separate block of time. A few minutes here and there throughout the day compound into great results too,” she said and suggested performing calf raises while in the kitchen, attending meetings standing, and walking up and down the stairs whenever you can.
4. Schedule it like a non-negotiable
One of the reasons why mothers find it hard to exercise is also because it’s considered optional. “Change that and treat it like a meeting. Block time, make time, and don’t compromise,” she advised.
5. Ditch the all or nothing mindset
According to her, a workout does not always have to be 60 or 90 minutes long. Even 15-20 minutes is better than nothing. It does not always have to be an intense sweaty session, a good mobility stretch session works too.
