5
minutes for Mom: Tips for Making Time for Exercise
Being a mom is already the ultimate
workout, so who has extra time for exercise? The truth
is, while taking care of kids, a husband and a home
is a full-time job and then some, it’s still very
important to make time to take care of your body. Exercise
and fitness are essential for good health, inside and
out, and if you’re happy with how you look and
feel, that positive attitude will carry over to every
part of your life. Take a look at your daily routine,
set realistic goals, make time for exercise –
and get moving!
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Make Time for Exercise at Home
It’s great if you have the time to get to the
gym regularly, but you don’t have to leave the
house and spend an hour at the gym every day in order
to make exercise part of your day-to-day life. Spend
a few minutes stretching just before or after taking
your morning shower. Jog in place while waiting for
your coffee to brew. Cleaning house isn’t exactly
an aerobic workout, but if you put a little extra effort,
both you and your home will benefit. Watching your favorite
TV show? Don’t be a passive viewer: use the time
to do some floor exercises. Buy a set of hand weights,
keep them handy, and you can do upper body work as well.
During commercials, try situps, running in place or
other more strenuous exercises.
Make Time for Exercise Morning, Noon
or Night
If you can, set aside some time for exercise either
first thing in the morning or at night after the kids
are asleep – nap and homework time can also be
good opportunities. You don’t need more than about
half an hour a day to see positive results in just a
short while. If you can afford it and have the space
at home, think about buying a treadmill or stationary
bicycle. That way you’ll be able to get in some
exercise whenever you’ve got a few minutes to
spare. If money is an issue, find a daily exercise program
on television that appeals to you. Or buy a few exercise
DVDs – if you have a variety to choose from, you’re
less likely to get bored and give up. If your children
are old enough, have them follow along – you’re
setting a healthy example for them, and it’s never
too early to start making exercise a regular habit!
Make Time for Exercise Indoors and
Out
Buy a pedometer, put it on first thing in the morning,
and try to walk 10,000 steps every day. If you live
in an apartment building, consider walking up to your
floor instead of taking the elevator, which will be
good exercise for both your heart and legs. The next
time you go to a shopping mall, spend an extra half
hour taking a power walk. Go for a 20-minute walk after
dinner; in addition to getting exercise and fresh air,
this could be a good opportunity for quality family
time. Phone a friend and make a commitment to walk together
once or twice each week. If there’s no one to
walk with, get a book on tape and listen while you walk.
Instead of driving to local errands, put on your walking
shoes and hit the road. If you have a yard, get out
there and start digging! Tending to a garden can be
strenuous exercise. As an added bonus, you’re
outside, getting fresh air – and think about planting
some vegetables, so you’ll have healthy things
to eat to complement your exercise regimen.
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