Between diaper duty, dishes, and laundry, there is often little time for moms to sweat. I certainly have a hard time finding the time. In fact, I don’t have much of a routine at all and I still don’t know the secret to losing that baby weight. But I do have a few things that work for me and help me stay motivated.
I go through phases where I can exercise everyday for months and then all of a sudden, it’s like I don’t have any time in the world. I know life is all about balance and going through phases, so I try not to be too hard on myself. I do try to do these few things to make sure that I am overall a healthy mom because it’s so important to be healthy for your family! These tips might not get you the abs of your dreams, but it will help you get the right mindset to be healthy. Which is most important!
Here are a few tips that have helped me since becoming a mom:
Mindset: This is step number one, the most important thing you can do. Remind yourself that you have birthed children and your body will never be what it was before that. Your stomach will never be what you remembered it to be before stretching out to the size of a planet and your boobs will never be as perky. Sorry mamas.. But, what your body CAN do it way more valuable then what it looks like. And you have a most adorable munchkin to remind you of that! Embrace your new body and focus on what makes you feel good instead of what makes you look skinny.
Set Goals: What are you trying to achieve? Then set realistic goals to get there. Whether it is a 20 minute exercise in your living room, attending a new workout class, or running a marathon… sit down and figure out the steps you need to do to achieve that. Big goals can feel so unattainable when we don’t have a road map to get there.
Have A Plan: What will you actually do when you get to the gym? Or have that free time to work out? Having a plan will keep you on track and save time. Get in there, get it done, and get out. Accept the time you do have and make the best of it!
Find The Time: Between soccer practice, dance class, music lessons.. kids are as busy as their parents. Utilize this time. I always go for a walk around the block when my daughter is in her dance class on Thursdays. She’s enjoying her activities and I can sneak in a quick workout.
Eat Clean(ish): I say -ish because I definitely don’t eat clean 100% of the time. That’s just not realistic. I do try to stick to whole foods, but I have a major sweet tooth! If you are picking healthy choices often, then you won’t feel guilty when you really want that brownie. Meal prepping or even just having healthy options easily accessible can make a huge difference!
Do What You Love: Find an exercise routine that you enjoy doing! Mine changes from time to time.. I’ve done everything from pilates, to cycling, to barre, to YouTube videos. If I enjoy it, I tend to look forward to it more. You may not have time for an hour long yoga class, but instead of skipping it, look on YouTube for “20 minute yoga” and you will get tons of options to do at home!
Use An App: There is an app for everything, find one that fits your needs! If you need to track your food, there’s an app for that! If you need workout instructions, there is an app for that! Heart rate, calories burned, etc.. There is an app for that! Okay, you get it. I just recently started at Orange Theory and I love how their app tracks everything from my workout that day. It’s so fun to see the progress. Use your favorite apps to track, keep yourself accountable, motivate and compete with yourself!
Include Your Kids: It can be hard to find dedicated alone time as a parent, so involve your kid in your workout! It sets a great example for them and teaches them how to have a healthy lifestyle. Put on some music and get moving! Have a dance party, have your kids hop over resistant bands while you use the other ones… If you are out and about, use the playground! Pull ups on the monkey bars, tricep dips off a bench.. throw them in a stroller and go for a run. Where there is a will there is a way!
Build A Support Crew: Juggling all the responsibilities that come with being a parent can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Find others to help keep you accountable, join a mom’s bootcamp or make a gym buddy. It’s okay to ask for help! Schedule time with your significant other to help with the kids.
Last but not least, my favorite tip… CUTE WORKOUT CLOTHES!! There is nothing more motivating then feeling good in a new athletic outfit! I found that if I am already dressed for a workout that it’s more likely to happen. I am absolutely loving this whole outfit from Vuori Clothing! They are a local activewear and performance apparel company with a west coast vibe. Their clothing is top notch for a workout but also looks great for everyday life (all my mamas who live in leggings raise your hand). The quality is one of the best I’ve ever worn and the material is sooo soft. Check them out!
I’d love to hear any other tips you have for staying fit through motherhood! I’m always looking for ways to up my game and help me stick to a routine. It’s definitely not as easy as pre-babies, but being healthy is even more important now that you have those babies to take care of! Let me know if you would like to see more about my (mostly) fit and healthy lifestyle! Have a great week!
A special thanks to Vuori Clothing for sponsoring this post!