Life managing a big family can be hectic and time consuming.
I have found that the toys are always out, the dishes always need to be done,
and the laundry is never ending! It's hard to find time for me...
forget a relaxing bath, time to read a book and
don't even think about painting my nails.
It took me stressing over life and the kids, gaining weight and being tired all the time
to realize that I needed to make some changes. If I'm too tired, then I can't get done
what needs to be done, let alone have the energy to be the Mommy that I need to be
and the wife I should be. But how do you fit in time for getting exercise? I may not have all the answers, but here are some things that have worked for me over the last year.
One Problem I have is finding a babysitter in order to get to the gym. This is not always an option. But I think that it's really important to have a workout routine. It's hard to make progress and keep going. So most of what I do, is with kids in tote! I was a part of a "Mommy Boot camp" for a while. This is fun and motivating. You can even do your own "boot camp" with Mommy friends you know. Even if you just do 1 day a week for 1 hour. I have found that this is even enough to keep me motivated to eat better and get some exercise done on my own through the week.
What to do on your own, or with friends...
First off, walking or jogging is a great place to start! You can do this with your kids. Yes, even if you have a bunch of little ones. I usually have 3 toddlers in my sit-n-stand that I'm pushing. No, I'm not running, but walking while pushing 70+ pounds of kids, is good exercise. You can also, find a playground with a path close to it and do circles while the kids play. When working out in your living room, your kids can join right in. It is so good for them to see you modeling all this hard work and commitment My toddlers love to dance and sing with the music I play while we exercise. They have a blast and are moving right along side of me! Sometimes they are right on top of me or under me! No big deal, just go with the flow. All of this seems so much easier, when the weather is nice, and we can be outside. The kids love to be outside, and I can exercise while they are having fun too. But we make it work inside too. Be creative with what your doing, and where your doing it.
There are so many great apps and websites these days that have full workouts, or lists of exercises to do, and even ways to keep track of what you eat and how much you exercise!
One Problem I have is finding a babysitter in order to get to the gym. This is not always an option. But I think that it's really important to have a workout routine. It's hard to make progress and keep going. So most of what I do, is with kids in tote! I was a part of a "Mommy Boot camp" for a while. This is fun and motivating. You can even do your own "boot camp" with Mommy friends you know. Even if you just do 1 day a week for 1 hour. I have found that this is even enough to keep me motivated to eat better and get some exercise done on my own through the week.
What to do on your own, or with friends...First off, walking or jogging is a great place to start! You can do this with your kids. Yes, even if you have a bunch of little ones. I usually have 3 toddlers in my sit-n-stand that I'm pushing. No, I'm not running, but walking while pushing 70+ pounds of kids, is good exercise. You can also, find a playground with a path close to it and do circles while the kids play. When working out in your living room, your kids can join right in. It is so good for them to see you modeling all this hard work and commitment My toddlers love to dance and sing with the music I play while we exercise. They have a blast and are moving right along side of me! Sometimes they are right on top of me or under me! No big deal, just go with the flow. All of this seems so much easier, when the weather is nice, and we can be outside. The kids love to be outside, and I can exercise while they are having fun too. But we make it work inside too. Be creative with what your doing, and where your doing it.
There are so many great apps and websites these days that have full workouts, or lists of exercises to do, and even ways to keep track of what you eat and how much you exercise!
Here are some free ones that I have used and like:
- ichange by Herbalife - keep track of calories consumed and burned and set goals. Sign up, but it is free.
- iphone app: Lose it - good for keeping track of calories consumed and burned.
- iphone app: Nike Running - keeps track of distance, pace and calories burn
- iphone app: Nike Training - great workout
What has been key for me is:
- Keeping track of calories/food consumed (getting most calories from protein & cutting back on Dr. Pepper! Bummer)
- Drinking Green Tea every morning
- Having a group or friend to work out with, even if it is 1 time a week
- Having a routine; including group, friend and time
- Setting small goals
- Not stressing over what I'm eating when at a party or date or special event. You need to have fun and be rewarded! Just pay attention and don't over do it!
Good Luck - Get Fit
and
Have Fun!!
