Before I had Emma Kate and we lived in our old house, things were a lot more…flexible. My gym was within walking distance of my house, so I would get up and do some work on the computer, walk to the gym, come back, eat lunch, then work until Bobby came home. I always had my phone on me and could quickly check emails at a moments notice. I could go for a long run without having to plan ahead, and could jump in the car to run errands or drive down to the beach to workout or run. Now, things aren’t quite so simple.
Back when I could walk down to the gym whenever I wanted. Aahhh the bliss.
Fitting in exercise is a lot more work now, and requires a lot more advance planning. Here are my best tips for getting in your workouts as a new mom:
1.) Go early: Sometimes I will get up early with the baby, and when it’s time for her first nap I will go for a run if my husband is still home. Or, I could get up early before she even wakes up for the day, go run, and then be back before everyone is awake. Also I am more likely to workout if I get it done earlier in the day before I get too tired and make a bunch of excuses.
2.) Advance planning: Gone are the days of working out on a whim, so I have to look at my week on Sunday and see what days I can go to the gym, and what days I can run at home based on what we have going on. I am more likely to stick to it if workouts are on my weekly calendar.
3.) Take the baby: I specifically joined a certain gym because it offers free childcare for up to two hours a day. Now, I can take Emma Kate with me to the gym during certain hours so I can get my workouts in. I also own a jogging stroller, so when the weather is nice I can take her with me on my runs. I get my workout in, and she gets to get out of the house and out into the fresh air. A win for everyone!
4.) Sacrifice: There are a lot of days I would rather take a nap then go for a run, or skip the gym in favor of watching my favorite TV series. However, I know if I don’t make an effort and make some sacrifices, I won’t get my workouts in, and I won’t be a happy person which equals not being a happy mommy. I NEED my sweat sessions, so it really is for everyone’s benefit for me to sacrifice something else so I can workout.
5.) Work together: If you have a significant other, you will need to work with them to make sure everyone gets some free time. Some families trade evenings off so one night mom can go as she pleases, and the next night is for dad. Everyone has to give and take in order to make a family work, and communication is essential. Holding in feelings of anger because you feel like you watch the baby more or don’t get as much free time will only lead to resentment and more frustration. Figure out a schedule that works for everyone!
QOTD: What are some other tips I am leaving out?
I used to lift and do ab work when Wyatt played on his playmat or jumparoo. So, for 5 minutes haha. The easiest thing for me is to work out at 5am!
Since having my son, my BOB Ironman stroller has been an absolute lifesaver! Being flexible with workouts is key, too. Some days all goes as planned and other days bad weather or a lack of nap-time make me get creative 🙂
Making a budget-friendly home gym is a great way to fit in workouts. With a treadmill and a couple dumbbells, I can fit in a run workout or strength training early in the morning or during naptime! It’s handy for me since we don’t have a gym here with childcare.
Thanks for sharing these tips!
Excellent tips! I run early in the mornings before my boys are awake. That way I don’t feel like I am missing out on time with them but I still get my run in.
Thanks so much for sharing this. #4 hit close to home with me right now, because I want to be lazy and just sit around and not workout. So I will be making more of a sacrifice! Thank you Heather!
This is so smart! Thank you.
Hi Heather! I don’t have kids yet, but I know scheduling and planning my workouts (particularly if I’m going to take a class) keeps me honest with them. Plus it gives you a chance to make sure you fit in diversity in your week of workouts. Great tips! Glad your hubby is a team player and helps you get active:)