With 2 littles, it is hard to find the time and motivation to work out. Today I’m sharing my tricks to staying active everyday – Movement Motivation- May 2019.
It’s crazy to me that this is the first work out post I’ve ever done! I’ve thought about it a bunch but feel like it was interesting enough. Well after chatting with so many out there, I think many of us can relate that finding motivation to work out is hard! So this is why I’m sharing my story.
Here’s the deal, being a mom or simply a busy person and finding the time/motivation to work out is not easy! It just isn’t. We spend the day working then taking care of our family, dealing with errands and laundry, and maybe if we are lucky, time to be social. And somehow we have to find time to work out. AHHHH! It can be a lot.
Personally in my life I have realized one thing. I NEED to exercise. Yes it’s great for me physically, but really it’s because I need it mentally and emotionally. For me, exercising stabilize my mood, makes me less anxious, less all over the place, more focused. It is also in a weird way relaxing. Even though exercise can be strenuous, it chills me out.
Now back to mom life. I don’t always feel like working out. I am only human. Sometime I’m tired, sometimes I find a million other things to do, some days I don’t have time, or I just straight up would rather do nothing.
The last couple of months I have been more consistent with exercising and as a result in some of the best shape I’ve been in in a long time both physically and mentally. I guess consistency really does pay off!
My workouts are not overly strenuous or lengthy, instead I am aiming to do something active everyday that I enjoy. Short quick runs, 15-20 yoga sessions, easy fast dumbbell exercises and trying new things!
Here are 8 tricks to stay motivated and consistent:
Dress the part
Seems easy enough: Dress to exercise And alongside this trick my rule is: don’t wear active wear unless I plan on being active. I realize we live in the age of stretchy yoga pants but if you try to make workout clothes a signal that you will actually workout, good things will happen.
If I plan on doing yoga first thing in the morning, I set my clothes out the night before. If I’m going to run in the afternoon, I change into my running clothes a few hours earlier. This is a simple rule but it really makes a difference and keeps me motivated to get my work out in.
Playground Run
My personal rule is: if I take the kids to the playground, I always runs. So instead of running straight to our neighborhood playground that is 3 blocks away, I pack the kids in the double jogger and we head in the opposite direction adding a 20 minute fast run for me! Trust me there is nothing more motivated than kids pumped to play!
Once we get to the playground, they run wild, and I get to play with them. WORKOUT DONE! You would be surprised at how these short playground workouts can add up!
Another easy trick is to meet someone at the park. There is no backing out of a playdate which is motivation to get moving!
20 a Day Makes Me Stronger “YAY”
I picked this tip up from my Dad. Ever since I can remember he has been doing push ups every day before showering. A simple little trick that has made a difference for me. My method is I do 10 in the morning post coffee and 10 later on in the day. Sometimes on the floor while playing with the kids, sometimes in the kitchen while cooking, sometimes at the playground.
Although it doesn’t seem like a lot, this little habit has really changed my arms especially after having kids. I actually have a little definition and it’s a direct result to this habit! Thanks Dad!
Schedule and Share It
Google Calendar, our kitchen chalkboard and/or a quick text is how I tell my family I plan to work out today. Telling people about your plans to work out is so important. Especially as a busy parent, a workout usually means you need your partner to keep the kids, or help in some way to give you the space and time.
I find that by telling the hubs my workout plans for the day, keeps me honest and less likely to back out. Then on the lazy days when I’m finding excuses to not work out, he motivates me to get my workout in while he mans the ship at home.
Similarly, scheduling a workout date with a friend or family member is not only fun but helps you stay accountable to getting it done!
Try New Things
Finding new ways to be physically active is a great way to stay motivated. New group workout class? Try it. Interested in rock climbing? Try it. Want to try that weird pilates contraption? Do it! Online workout video? Give it a go!
The more you try the easier it is to find something you love and it becomes more fun than work. The last year I’ve tried a new Zumba class, surfing, snowshoeing, rock climbing/bouldering, countless online workouts, and different yoga sessions. It’s fun, social and keeps exercise from becoming boring.
Listen to Something Good
Not going to lie, going for a run for me usually feels like a mini vacation. It’s usually time spent alone (unless the kids are packed in the stroller) and although physically strenuous, it’s mentally relaxing.
With that mentally in mind, good listening is essential! Putting a playlist together during the week, picking good podcasts, or getting a good book on tape while I run makes the whole experience way more enjoyable.
Wash Hair After Working Out
They say you aren’t supposed to wash your hair every day. Personally I don’t love doing that so my general rule I try to stick to is washing my hair after working out. This is a great motivation to work out and also have a lovely shower afterward.
Shake It Everywhere
Getting can feel like a chore at home… let’s be real, it’s not always fun and exciting. But getting a mini workout in while out in your city or traveling is actually really fun!
A long walk before dinner with friends, a friendly tennis game before date night, a bike ride before brunch, 20 minutes in a hotel gym, a full day of walking in a new city, a jog on vacation, or a little YouTube yoga while on a work trip are all great ways to stay motivated.
Hope these little motivational tricks help keep you motivated as much as they do me! At the end of the day, a little movement is great for all of us so do the best YOU can and be proud of that!
Originally posted 2019-05-15 05:43:17.
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