As a busy mom of two three, I can only dream of the days when I can get a 60-90 workout into my day. The reality is that on some days I’m lucky if I have the time to brush my teeth. (no need to worry about the hair, that is what a hat is for!)
So I’ve come up with some creative ways to help you incorporate a little fitness into your busy Mom day.
- Laundry room squats
combine a front loader machine and piles of laundry and you have the perfect recipe for laundry squats. With each piece (or pieces) I shove in that machine, I must perform the perfect squat. - Cardio-laundry
run up and down the stairs to get various pieces of dirty clothing that is strewn about your house. Socks under the bed? Don’t forget your perfect squat to get those. - Lunge-a-palooza:
Spend 10 minutes doing nothing but walking lunges. Going to the kitchen for a drink? Lunge your way there. Outside playing with the kids? Lunge circles around them. Heading to the potty bathroom? Yep, you got it…lunge your way there. (bonus points if you squat while you are in there!) - Clean-ups:
find yourself on the floor cleaning up a spill? It’s the perfect time for a few push-ups! You can do them on your knees if necessary, just do as many as you can. Don’t worry, that spill will still be there when you are done! - Ab-lounger:
No need to buy expensive equipment for this one. Sit down, place feet flat on the floor, and lean back just a bit. Draw your abs in toward your navel…make sure you are breathing….and just hold the position. After about 20-30 seconds your abs will be having a party! - Table triceps: do a few set of tricep extensions off the end of that coffee or end table.
- Dance party: put on some good tunes and dance your way into a sweat with your kids. Fun and fitness for everyone.
These are just a few to get you started. Do you have any that you can share?
**originally posted in October 2007
{ 7 comments }
These are great tips! I really love #7, my kids love it when we get silly and dance around, its a lot of fun!
Thanks for sharing!
Run From Child.
this entails hauling ass a breakneckSPEED away from your children when they are working you nerves and exercising THEIR FINGERS by pressing all your buttons at once.
.-= MizFit´s last blog ..Shabby Apple (aka Miz & her workout skirt addiction). =-.
Saturday night I was doing side stretches and hip lifts in the kitchen making dinner. Calf raises are perfect while stirring.
.-= Lynn Weddle´s last blog ..I’m in love. And her name is Bonnie. =-.
I agree with MizFit. I prefer to run away while waving my arms and screaming.
Retta @ RunRettaRun´s last [type] ..Composting
These are great!
Lisa, I am glad you help Moms find time to take care of themselves. I do the same with ladies after 40:-) And BTW, I call it exercise shortcuts – you don’t need to spend time in the gym, you can do lots of “exercise activities” in your own kitchen or living room.
Breathe, smile and be happy.
Irina Wardas, CHHC´s last [type] ..Easy Detox with Dry Skin Brushing for Breast Cancer Prevention, Better Sleep and Energy
Great post, some good ideas to get moving!
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