Going to the gym can sometimes seem like such a chore for busy moms. Between going to work, taking kids to and from school or extracurricular activities, helping with homework, cooking dinner, cleaning, and the one million other things you have to do, there just isn’t always enough time to have a solid fitness plan when you’re a busy mom.
Well, I had my son when I was a junior in college, which is when I started my fitness journey. I remember getting up early in the morning, dropping him off at the daycare on campus and going straight to the gym. I was a true bag lady carrying a diaper bag, gym bag and book bag. My schedule didn’t change after I graduated and started working. So I know a little something about being a mom and managing a fitness plan with a very busy schedule.
I know there’s a lot that goes into working out. After you muster up the motivation to workout, you have to get dressed, prepare a pre-workout meal, drive to the gym, workout, drive home, shower and then carry on with the rest of your day. So how do you do it? What does a fitness plan look like for a busy mom? Here are the tricks that I’ve learned to manage my busy schedule and still have time to workout.
Plan your meals
You don’t have to cook a 5-course meal every single day. Each Sunday, cook meals large enough to last 2-3 days. If I can make enough to get us to Wednesday, I’m a happy woman. On Wednesday, cook another batch of meals to get you through the rest of the week.
Frozen meals are lifesavers when your pre-planned meals run out sooner than expected. I buy a few frozen meals that are quick and easy to prepare like Birds Eye Voila Skillet Meals or Stove-Top Lasagna, I like the veggie lasagna.
Read A Simple and Easy Meal Plan for more ideas for meals that you can incorporate into your weekly menu.
There are also a lot of companies that offer meal plans to fit a busy mom’s schedule. Fresh Meal Plan offers deliciously healthy prepared meals delivered right to your door. It’s a great way to add variety to your meals and also save you some time in the kitchen.
Workout at home
The gym isn’t always the answer. Beachboy On Demand is a great resource for workout videos. They have a great selection of workouts that you can stream to any device, including your phone, smart TV, Roku and more. Right now, it’s only $59 for six months, which is almost $10 a month, and you have access to hundreds of workouts, meal plans and a cool app that allows you to track your progress. I love Insanity and Core De Force but I’m working my way through others.
Go for a run or a walk around your neighborhood. My neighborhood has amazing hills so if the weather is good, I take it to the pavement.
Invest in some inexpensive equipment like a medicine ball, resistance bands, the ab wheel, a few dumbbells or my favorite, TRX. If you aren’t familiar with TRX, read Benefits of TRX: Why I love TRX. Of all my equipment, TRX is by far the best investment I’ve made.
You can also do exercises that don’t necessarily require equipment…pushups, squats, lunges, triceps dips, sit-ups, plank, etc. And when you put it all together, you have a nice routine that is just as effective as going to the gym.
Trying to incorporate a fitness plan when you are a busy mom is next to impossible. But it is possible! These are just a few tips to help you by planning and prepping your meals cooking and simply working out at home.
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