By Anik Giguere-Biollo
Mar 16, 2010
If you're a mother, then you know that there never seems to be enough hours in the day to do everything that needs to be done. Between preparing meals and snacks, doing laundry, housework, shopping, taking care of the kids and maybe a part-time or full-time job on top of all that, physical activity is often the very last item on your never-ending "to-do" list.
It is well-known that regular physical activity is crucial to our general health and well-being, and that its benefits, including more strength, energy and a positive attitude, are priceless. Still, many mothers can't seem to find the time to fit it in the minimum 30 minutes of daily exercise health experts recommend.
But don't be discouraged - it is entirely possible for you to find the time for regular exercise in your busy schedule. Follow these five tips to help you fit in fitness every day:
1. Exercise with your kids - Moving their bodies is natural for kids, so you shouldn't have a problem enlisting their participation. Go for a walk or a bike ride together, play soccer in your backyard, go for a swim at the pool or ice-skating at the local rink. The entire family reaps the rewards of active living when you take the time to do some physical activity together.
2. Ask dad to take over - At least once or twice a week, ask your partner to take care of the kids for an hour while you go to the gym or for a jog. The time alone will do wonders for your peace of mind. You will come back home energized and refreshed, and dad will have gotten some quality time alone with the kids.
3. Make a regular exercise date with a girlfriend - This is a great way to get some exercise and catch up with a close friend. Attend a yoga class together or go for a nice long walk.
4. Turn on the TV or the computer - Yes, you read that correctly! Sometimes, busy mothers need to get their exercise time any way they can. Your children won't be irreparably harmed if they watch television or play on the computer for an hour so that you can work out on your treadmill or do some strength training with dumbbells. Just make sure that what is on the screen is educational.
5. Move more whenever you can - Experts tell us that as little as 10 minutes of exercise here and there during the course of a day are as beneficial as one long workout session, so be active whenever you can. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park a little farther away from your destination and walk the rest of the way. Instead of sitting down to watch your kids during soccer practice or while they play at the park, walk around at a brisk pace for a few minutes. When you're at home, go up and down the stairs a few times in a row, do some squats with your young child in your arms, dance around with your kids to music, or jump on a mini trampoline for a few minutes. Every little bit of physical activity helps.
Mothers are very busy taking care of their family, often to the detriment of their own health and well-being. However, if you don't take the time to take care of yourself, both you and your family will lose out in the long run. Regular exercise is possible if you make it a priority and are committed to being active every chance you get.
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