Whether you want to lose weight, tone up, or build serious muscle, the ultimate goal is to be fit & healthy. Am I right? If you’re a stay-at-home or work-from-home mom with younger kids, it can be challenging to get those workouts done.
I’m speaking from experience.
Warming up properly is almost impossible with a baby clutching your legs. Stretching feels like a joke when your toddler is climbing your body like a jungle gym. It’s equally hard to focus when your child is crying just to hear the sound of it. I’ve been there!
Don’t allow yourself to get discouraged. If you're already discouraged, don't stay there. I have a few tips that will help you like they’ve helped me. Learn how to better prepare for a kickass workout with kids in tow.
1. Make An Appointment With Yourself
Don’t wait until the day of to decide to exercise. Instead, sit down over the weekend & schedule your workouts in your planner. If you know when you’re working out & what type of workout you’re doing, you’ll set yourself up for success. By all means, keep that appointment! It’s your most important form of self-care. If you have the convenience of a babysitter, make sure he/she will be available during that time period.
2. Gather Your Things
When it pertains to fitness, you cannot afford to be unprepared with younger kids around. On the same day you add your workouts to your planner, also make sure your favorite gym clothes are clean. You don’t want to find them at the bottom of the hamper on the day you need them. If you have preferred sports bras, sweat bands, gym shorts, or sneakers, gather them. Put them in a gym bag or drawer so they’re easily accessible.
3. Think About Food
The same way you prepped your gym clothes, prepare a weekly menu. Know what meals you & your child will have especially on exercise days. Be sure you have what you need or head out to the grocery store. If meal times are chaotic, push yourself to
get up a little earlier so you both eat a filling breakfast.
Have snacks & drinks prepped before your workout. My youngest daughter always asked for food while I was exercising. I finally smartened up & brought her snacks to the room with us. I’d put them in a caddy & her drink in a spill-proof cup to minimize messes. If you have a baby, be sure to handle feedings beforehand.
4. Bring Necessities
Grab toys that will hold your child's attention. If they're old enough, have coloring pages & crayons available, too. The better occupied your child, the less interruptions for you.
Create a designated play area so you both know what to expect. You can spread out a blanket or play mat. A playpen may work best for a baby. You can purchase a new one or find one in good condition at a thrift shop. Clean that thing up & use it!
Whether your child wears diapers or is potty trained, take care of that immediately. You don't want toileting emergencies in the middle of a weightlifting set but have a few diapers available just in case. Things happen!
5. Exercise Together
My daughters have always tried to emulate my actions. During workouts, they were quick to grab my hand weights or attempt to use the same equipment. I eventually bought toy dumbbells for my youngest & allowed my oldest to use 1-3 pound weights.
Grab small cans from your pantry if necessary. Small, thin cans of tomato paste worked well for us in the beginning. If your child is really young & can’t tell the difference, grab whatever is light-weight. Act as if they are doing the same as you. When your kids witness & are able to join you in living a health-conscious lifestyle, they're more likely to adopt the same for themselves in the future.
Prevent boredom by varying your exercise routines. If you can go outside, do it. We all benefit from fresh air & sunshine! Your child will surely enjoy a walk through the neighborhood or being pushed in the stroller while you run. Be sure to take water for both of you.
6. Put Technology To Work
Sometimes nothing holds a child’s attention like technology. There's no shame in that!
Whether you use your phone, a tablet, or the television, turn on something your child enjoys. Your nerves & body will thank you!
7. Don’t Give Up
Even after using the tips I’ve shared, some days will be unbelievably hard. Your child will have all basic needs met with plenty of extras & still be discontent. If you have exhausted all options, take care of your mommy business & give your undivided attention. Don't forget there's another exercise appointment already scheduled in your planner.
No matter what happens, think of your “why.” Remember your reason for getting healthy. Focusing on this will get you through the tough days. It’s hard out here in these parenting streets! If you have to shed tears out of frustration, do that. Then get up & keep going. Continue to show up for yourself.
I believe in you!
Written By: Tandra Wilkerson
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