Getting in a workout can be a struggle for anyone, even when they have plenty of time on their hands. But for a mom, free time is practically nonexistent. Plenty of parents leave their fitness goals behind when they're raising young children, simply because they don't feel like they have the time or energy. The thing is, making time to work out will actually give you more energy throughout the day. The tricky part is finding time to do it, and it may mean changing up your old workout regimens.
Less Is More
Before you had kids, you may have had a workout routine that had you at the gym a few times a week for an hour or more. Raising children means that might not really be an option anymore. Instead, break your workouts up into smaller portions that you can do throughout the week. Ten minutes of high intensity exercise done several times a week can be just as beneficial as your longer workouts. In fact, a recent study found that just one minute of high intensity training, with warm ups and cool downs, was as effective in improving fitness as a forty-five minute workout.
Workout As A Family
This one also works with the idea that you might have to change what you consider a workout. Your kids can't do an hour on the treadmill with you, but they can go on pre- or post-dinner walks around the neighborhood. And there are plenty of other ways you can involve your children in your fitness routine. If you're watching their favorite show together, make commercial breaks a time for exercise. A quick game of tag or bodyweight exercises will be beneficial to everyone. If you take them to the park, you can use that time to get a workout in on the jungle gym. Look for opportunities in your day that you might be missing out on.
Block Out “Your Time”
Maybe you don't necessarily need to change your workout routine altogether, but instead you just need to make the time to keep doing it. So mark certain times on your weekly calendar like you would for a doctor's appointment. That time is blocked out specifically for you to do your workout—whatever that may be. Schedule it with your significant other, and make it non-negotiable.
Find Some Partners
Every mother with young children is going through the same thing—tons of commitments and not a lot of free time. Find a friend who is willing to work out with you, and help support each other and keep up with your fitness goals. And if you don't have someone locally to work out with, you can go online to find support and tips on Facebook groups or blogs.
It's tough to find time to work out when you have young children, and so is finding the time to prepare a protein packed meal after your workout. At Promax, we have a number of delicious protein bars that are packed with the nutrition you need to get you through your workout, kids and all. Try one today!