If exercise is a chore for you, you probably won’t exercise. Because then it becomes just another thing to fit into a hectic schedule as a mom, juggling your home, family, and work and frankly, in the scale of things killer abs just don’t seem so important. We get caught up in our daily routines and forget about taking care of our bodies, but don’t let yourself get intimidated by working out or worse- view it as a hassle!
If you really want to fit into those skinny jeans again, the secret is to place and keep exercise in the back of your mind at all times. That’s the only way you will remember to work it into your daily schedule and take advantage of every free minute. There are countless ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, but it seems like the biggest hurdle is keeping it enough of a priority to where you remember to take advantage of them. Eventually you’ll get so good at working in a workout you won’t even have to think about it!
Just taking your kids to the park provides you with tons of workout opportunities, you just have to recognize your options. We’ve put together a list of small workouts you can easily incorporate at the most common spots. Make it a point to do a few of these daily, and soon you won’t even notice you’re doing them!
Swing Squats- Get in a squat stance as you push your little one, or lower in and out of a squat every time your babe swings back to you.
Bench Steps- Weights in hand, find a solid bench or calf-high curb near the jungle gym to step up and hold, alternating feet. You will just look like a doting mom, trying to get a better look at Jr!
Bench Dips- Same idea, but step up on the bench/curb and lunge down, holding for 10 seconds. Alternate feet.
On the train
Ab Squeeze- Tighten and release while you read the paper, no one will even notice you defining your abs!
At work
Veto Elevators/Escalators- Refuse to take the cushy way up, hop to those stairs Momma and walk to lunch if it's pleasant outside.
Bring a Ball- If you work in an office, bring in a stability ball to sit at your desk with- this does wonders for your posture, balance, and abs if you remember to squeeze them whenever you get a new email!
In the car
Kegels- This pelvic floor strengthener is great for pre- and postnatal. Just squeeze your pelvic muscles tightly and hold for 10 seconds, relax and then contract again. Repeat as long as your drive lasts, remembering to take big breaths and watch the road!
While shopping
Park in the very last parking space at the end of the lot.
Take the stairs even if you're coming right back down.
Those shopping bags are weights! Curl your arms up as you walk with them.
Waiting in line
Calf Raises- Gently raise up onto your tippy toes and hold 5 seconds, maintaining balance and composure. Lower back down and repeat as time allows (you'll get in a ton at the bank!).
While pumping gas...
Stationary Lunges- Standing, step out and lunge down in place, hold, alternate.
Car Pushups- Standing, lean against your car, palms on the windows and push yourself up. Make faces at your babe each time you come near!
Tree Pose- This yoga move is quite simple- just raise up one foot to your inner calf and hold, centering your balance for 15 seconds.
Always keep bottled water, 5lb weights and a healthy snack on hand!
The Fit Mom Secret
Exercise has been proven to prevent illnesses and keep you healthy.
Your energy level will skyrocket as exercise improves circulation and oxygen flow.
Physical activity stimulates positive brain chemicals and can even prevent depression.
You will sleep better. (You know you want that.)
Exercise will enhance your sex life!
For more information on the benefits of exercise via Mayo Clinic, click here.
For more easy exercises you can do on-the-go, sign up for our customized workouts.
If exercise is a chore for you, you probably won’t exercise. Because then it becomes just another thing to fit into a hectic schedule as a mom, juggling your home, family, and work and frankly, in the scale of things killer abs just don’t seem so important. We get caught up in our daily routines and forget about taking care of our bodies, but don’t let yourself get intimidated by working out or worse- view it as a hassle!
If you really want to fit into those skinny jeans again, the secret is to place and keep exercise in the back of your mind at all times. That’s the only way you will remember to work it into your daily schedule and take advantage of every free minute. There are countless ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, but it seems like the biggest hurdle is keeping it enough of a priority to where you remember to take advantage of them. Eventually you’ll get so good at working in a workout you won’t even have to think about it!
Just taking your kids to the park provides you with tons of workout opportunities, you just have to recognize your options. We’ve put together a list of small workouts you can easily incorporate at the most common spots. Make it a point to do a few of these daily, and soon you won’t even notice you’re doing them!
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On the train
At work
In the car
While shopping
Waiting in line
While pumping gas...