Off we go on another year - a new beginning. You may have created many resolutions this year as I have. I feel like I keep coming up with something else I need to fix. The bottom line for me is to just BE better - a better mom, wife, friend, sister, and daughter. For all of us who have been through the hard and are still getting up everyday...high five, friends.
You know fitness is important to me - the physical strength I get when working out translates to mental strength. The adrenaline rush after a good workout is fuel for me to get through the day.
Everywhere you turn these first few days of the year, you will hear or see something about fitness. Gym memberships, healthy eating tips, new workouts to try, etc… what some do not tell you is that when you change on the outside, it does AMAZING things for your inside. In fact, on the news today, a personal trainer recommended great fitness tips for the busy mom. I used these tips as inspiration to help makeover your fitness routine.
Stop the Excuses
Excuses weigh more than the pounds you are trying to lose - I can’t get up early, I hate running, my baby doesn’t sleep (that was me), or there just isn’t time. I urge you to throw those excuses out the window. Crossift and the gym may not be options for you; or maybe you like the gym and the escape. No matter what, find what YOU can do. When I stopped feeling down about no time, I just had to make it. It took a LONG time to find my “right” workout. Be patient as you find your fit.
Just Move
Make goals for how you can get active each day or just a few days a week. Shoot for 20 minute workouts 3 times a week then increase as necessary. Go for a walk with your kids, run after bedtime, find a great at-home workout on Pinterest - just GO. When you move more, you release so much that holds you back. In fact, my doctor recommended moving more to help with my anxiety - and he was so right.
Change Slowly
Look at your days and find ONE thing to change each day - park further from the store, snack healthier, drink one less coke or cup of coffee, don’t have that after dinner snack, no carbs after 6 pm, etc. When you make these subtle changes, you will change. Track your food each day too - use My Fitness Pal or another app - or go old school and write it down. I guarantee you won’t want to see Cheetos on paper.
Find Your Time
My daughter did not sleep well from 5-7 months old. Nobody was happy. I knew I needed to find adrenaline to get me going, so I started slowly - 10-20 minute workouts when she would take her tiny cat naps then I proceeded from there. Now, by the grace of God, she sleeps in a bit so I can sometimes work out first thing in the morning. I also had to find my people - enter my beloved boot camp. I set my boot camp “appointments” as does my husband so that time is sacred. When you find and schedule your time (write it down), you will do it. Promise.
I am not offering these tips to make anyone feel bad or to put myself on a pedestal. I fall over and over (hi, weight gained back). I want everyone to feel that rush of a getting your heart pumping - when we are moms, it can take its toll, so why shouldn't we find time to feel like ourselves again?
Exercise brought me back to life; it took my crazy, post-partum experience to a new level. It gave me energy and confidence to be with my kids more. It reminded me that I am a person behind the mom. My hope is that the tired, worn out mama finds some time to feel whole again.
If you have questions about my fitness plan or suggestions, my email is at the top.
You can do this, sister. We can do hard things.