11 Ways to Fit Exercise Into Your Life When You’re a Busy Mom
If you’re a mom, you’re busy. And fitting exercise in can be just one more thing. Today we’re talking about exercise for busy moms, and 11 doable ways to get moving!
This post is part of the Mom Makeover Series. Read the introduction here, Day 1 here, and Day 2 here.
We all know we should exercise. The benefits are numerous. Here are just a few:
- Stress relief
- Improved sleep
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Increases strength
- Boosts energy levels
Exercise for Busy Moms
Even though we all know we should exercise, it can be so hard to fit something else into an already-busy life. Moms especially have difficulty finding time for fitness.
Exercise is an important key to the Mom Makeover, because it has so many benefits! When you’re getting daily exercise, you’ll have more energy for all those mom tasks. It’s definitely a necessity to our beauty routine.
11 Ways to Fit Exercise Into Your Life
Here are 11 creative ways to fit exercise into your life when you’re a busy mom. Use whichever ideas work best for you!
1. Get Up Early
If you’re limited on time, you might want to try getting up earlier and exercising while your kids are still asleep. This will probably require getting to bed earlier and being more disciplined, but it might be the best option.
2. Exercise During Naptime
If getting up early doesn’t work for you, try exercising when your little ones are down for a nap. Even if your kids are too old to nap, give them something to keep them occupied while you work out. I often work out in my bedroom with Fit2B or Pilates exercise balls.
3. Include Your Kids
Sometimes the best way is just to include your kids in your workout! That’s one of the positive things about this workout—they show you how you can include your kids and keep it fun.
4. Play at the Park
Take the kids to the park! Rather than sitting on a bench and watching, join in the fun and move your body. It’s better than not moving at all!
5. Go for a Walk
This is one of the easiest ways to get in some good exercise. Go for a family walk! You can also walk by yourself, but I love being able to talk to my husband or my kids while I walk.
6. Get a Jogging Stroller
One of my friends loved her jogging stroller, and it allowed her to continue running even with babies and toddlers.
7. Try a Treadmill
Treadmills are great because they allow you to continue your exercise routine even when the weather keeps you inside.
If cost is a factor, used treadmills can often be found at thrift stores or on Facebook Marketplace. We found ours used for a huge discount.
8. Jump on a Rebounder
We love using a rebounder
, and it has been a great investment.
You can get a great workout in small increments of time just by rebounding. It’s also great to have for the kids to jump on in the winter.
We keep ours in our homeschool room so wiggly bodies can take a break from school work to jump. 🙂
9. Put on Some Music and Dance!
If you don’t have time for a full workout, just put on some cheerful music and dance with the kids!
They’ll think you’re a fun mom, and you’ll be burning calories at the same time.
10. Play in the Backyard
My kids love it when I go outside and jump on the trampoline with them or play an active game. It’s a fun, memory-making form of exercise!
11. Keep it Short
If you only have a small amount of time for exercise, don’t feel like it’s not worth it. Studies are showing that more isn’t always better. Short bursts of exercise can be great for you!
Mom Makeover Project #3:
- Plan a way to get more exercise into your day. Look at your calendar for next week and see where you might be able to schedule some time to exercise.
Now that we’ve talked about renewing our mind, getting more sleep, and exercise, we’re moving on to the closet! In the next post, we’ll work on our wardrobes!
How do you fit exercise into your day?
Other Posts in This Series:
Day 1: It All Begins in Your Mind
Day 2: 9 Reasons Why You Should Get More Sleep (and how to sleep better)
Day 3: 11 Ways to Fit Exercise Into Your Life When You’re a Busy Mom
Day 4: How to Create the Perfect Stay-at-Home Mom Capsule Wardrobe
Day 5: 4 Tips to Help You Update Your Look
Day 6: Cultivate the Art of Delight
This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure. Sharing here.
T-Tapp Basic + 15 minute Workout is another great option; once you learn it, it only takes 15 minutes and all you need are sneakers and the video. 🙂
Helps your body in many ways. Available at T-Tapp.com, check out the Try Before You Buy section. (not an affiliate, just a fan)
I did T-Tapp for several years, but I got away from it after awhile. I’ve heard that lots of mamas have had great results with it!
I worked out today for the very reasons you listed above. Mama needs to be happy and health to be able to take care of her family. My baby is 1, and I honestly haven’t worked out since I was pregnant with him! I did a really quick HIIT workout while he watched. It literally took 5 minutes and I was huffing and puffing. There’s no excuse. Thanks for sharing with the Homestead Blog Hop!
Great job getting your exercise in today! Just taking a few minutes here and there is so worth it!
I love #11, especially. I know this point, but I often feel like it’s not enough. Thanks for the encouragement!
I know, it does sometimes feel like it’s not enough. I just remind myself that it’s better than nothing! 🙂
Love this! It’s hard to fit in exercise — I wear a Fitbit and playing at the playground definitely burns a lot of calories! Especially if you’re trying to keep up with a 2 year old!!!
Wearing a Fitbit is a great tip! 2-year-olds will definitely keep you moving!