I often get asked the question, “How do you find time to fit in fitness … ?” The answer, for me, is simply I make time for it. I make it part of my daily routine, a habit, it is expected. My fellow fit-mom and friend, Kelly, has a similar approach to fitting in fitness during her busy day.
Last week, Kelly shared with us three ways to find time to feed your soul when life gets busy. Today this amazing, super buff, and fitness inspiring mom of three young children is going to share with us her top three tips to fit in fitness when life gets busy.
When it comes to fitness, I’ve been in a very unhealthy place, but by the grace of God, am in a healthy place today with my three amazing kids (which I honestly didn’t know if I’d ever be able to have).
It’s not easy to make my health a priority every day (did I mention the kids are 7, 5 and 3??). I know how important it is and know what a better wife, mom and friend I am when I am taking care of myself. Here are some ways that I’ve made it work for me:
3 Ways I Fit in Fitness Every Day
Rise and shine: I haven’t always been a morning person, BUT I’ve found that it’s the best time of day for me to get in my morning devotional and a workout. I get up most mornings around 5:30 and it’s amazing what a morning workout does for my mindset and mood.
Be flexible: There were times when I was up all night with a newborn or sick kiddo and workouts were not going to happen that early, so when Plan A doesn’t work, there are 25 more letters in the alphabet. There are always other options I can work into my day: workout during the kids’ independent playtime, workout with the kids, workout during nap time, workout after everyone is in bed, workout date night (we love going to mountain bike rides or playing racquetball) or maybe I have just one extra recovery day that week. No, it’s not always ideal or easy, but it’s always worth it.
Make it a family affair: I don’t have much time during the day to myself, so if we can find ways to move more as a family, we are all winning!
Sometimes we hit the track for a family workout/playtime. The kids love to ride their bikes and it’s a great opportunity for me to run along with them … which can sometimes turn into a sprint workout.
Short home workout videos are great because the kids will join me – which means there will be a lot of talking and a lot less personal space, but it counts!
Another option is to join a gym with child care – you get a workout and they have a fun place to play. It’s also a great idea to take advantage of parks while your kids are at sports practice or parks while the kids are playing.
And lastly, act like a kid again and get everyone outside for a game of Tag.
So that’s a little bit about me. I’m a mess most days, but I’m focusing on progress over perfection.
God is good. My family is the best thing that ever happened to me. And workouts keep me sane … most of the time.
Thank you Kelly for sharing with us your three tips on how to fit in fitness during your day when life gets busy! I follow these similar tips in my own family and fitness routine.
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Flexibility is not one of my strong points! I need to have a plan for the day and stick to it. Happy Friday!
Rebecca Jo says
I find myself doing whatever I can, WHENEVER I can… gotta squeeze it in somehow or it never gets done.
Kelly Hutchinson says
I am terribly lazy and never seem to have the time to work out. I can find to watch tv or play on the computer, but not to exercise lol. Shame on me!
Stefani Tolson says
I think I am too flexible at times which leads me to being lazy. I need some motivation when it comes to fitness during the summer months.
Family Travel Blogger says
I tend to use my daughter as my alarm clock and I really need to start getting up before her! 🙂 That way I can fit in a quiet, focused work out.
Daisy says
I need to try the rise and shine approach. I’m much happier exercising in the morning.
Tina@GottaRunNow says
I’m a morning person and like to work out then, too. Looking forward to visiting Kelly’s blog. It’s fun to find new ones!
Jillian @ Baby Doodah! says
Such a great post! I am so so rigid when it comes to my workout schedule, which leads to me just eventually falling off the workout train.
What happens, is I create this schedule for myself…the first few days I’m gung-ho about it. I have the time to workout, and I feel great. Then, a day comes along where I truly don’t have time to fit that day’s scheduled workout in, so instead of jumping right back on the train, I ten to quit. Telling myself I’ve already failed, why bother getting back at it.
THIS is where I need to work on me!!!! Your post has inspired me to post a post of my own, in regards to overcoming my rigidity.
Have I mentioned that I love your blog!?
MCM Mama says
I used to get my kid to fall asleep on the bed in the spare room and then run on the treadmill next to him until he woke up. Life is a lot easier now that they are both in school…
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club says
I’m taking your advice and making it a family affair – I started a pull up challenge with my hubby with him spotting me. He enjoys watching me improve and spending that quality time – even if it is only a few minutes in the morning as we get ready for work. 🙂
Mommy2Jam says
That is some great advice, I need to be more flexible. I am always making excuses.
Fit Corner says
These are great tips. It’s really hard to find time when you have to do a lot of important things. Achieving fitness goals requires discipline and determination.