NOW....GET MOVING
Motherhood can make a problem solver out of any woman. When we become mothers we perfect the art of multitasking, we use creativity to split our time between the people and things that take top priority in our lives and need our attention. Use the creativity, patience and understanding you use in motherhood to discover new ways to give to yourself by establishing a steady exercise routine. We do not magically “find” time to exercise, rather we must create the time and some days we must painstak- ingly carve out the time. Just remember why you are inspired to exercise and hold on to your motivation, for when you get your body moving you may just start feeling like supermom. The following are some suggestions for busy moms who feel that they have no time to get moving.
1. Exercise in short bouts. Research has shown that exercising in short, multiple 10 minute bouts through the day can be just as effective (or in some studies, even bet- ter) as exercising for 30 consecutive minutes on metabo- lism and overall fitness. This could be a great solution for the busy mom. If you find it impossible on some days to get 30 - 60 minutes of exercise, engaging in short bouts of exercise could be the answer for you.
2. Be creative, explore your options. Sometimes when we think about exercise, we feel that we have to some- how get ourselves to the gym, the running trails, or the yoga/Pilates studio. And if we can’t, we literally just throw in the towel and give up on the idea of exercising for that day. This is where you need to use your creativ- ity. Can’t go for that run this afternoon? Have a back up plan - try jump-roping or jumping jacks or do some lunges and squats. Can’t get to the yoga/Pilates studio? Roll out your mat and do your five favorite exercises, or re- search DVDs that are level and time appropriate for you and have them handy. Can’t get to the gym? Have hands weights, thera-bands, and stability balls out in a room that you have set aside as “Mom’s exercise area”.
3. Use nap time or play time as “your time”. We have all been there - the baby is finally down for his afternoon nap or your toddler is content and happy playing with his toys, and now you finally have a chance to get to the emails, the bills, the laundry, the house, the phone calls. Stop. Remember that you have just spent much time caring for your child and it is now time for you to care for yourself. If you know that your child sleeps for two hours or that your toddler can keep herself entertained for a half hour, begin to use some of that time as your exercise time - there will still be time to get every else done.
4. Mommy and Me. Mommy and Me exercises are a fantastic way to get in some much needed exercise all while entertaining and bonding with your child. Try simple exercises such as lying your baby down on his back and doing push ups over him. Try and narrate what you are doing while you perform the exercises, “Mommy is doing going to do 5 push ups now, 1, 2, 3....” Jogger strollers can make walks and jogs comfortable for mom and baby. Talk to your baby while she is in the stroller, talk about the different sounds, the trees or the cars passing by. Take your toddler for a short walk, and as you walk oc- casionally stop at a bench or wall to perform push ups and triceps dips, or every few minutes perform a set of lunges. You can explain to your curious toddler what you are doing and they may even try a few exercises with you.
5. Work with your partner or caregiver. Talk with your partner or caregiver about your need to create a con- sistent exercise routine. Establish a schedule or deal. Perhaps you and your partner can take turns exercising while the other watches the little one. Or perhaps you could arrange to have your caregiver stay a bit longer so that you get to a Pilates class or go for a nice brisk walk.
6. Work in the time as a working mom. Working mothers may feel that they need to rush home after work because they miss their children, and/or they may feel guilty for having to be gone during the day. For working mothers, they can view their lunch hour as “their hour”. Take a walk or attend a lunch-time yoga class. Use that precious hour to not only nourish yourself with food, but also with movement and exercise.
These suggestions are meant to spark your own creativity in order to establish a solution to the difficulty that all moms have creating the ability and time to exercise. Find your inspiration, create your motivation and get moving. Exercise should not be viewed just as another task to add to the list, yet it should be viewed as a gift we mothers give to ourselves in the midst of our day caring for others.
AKA Mom | Summer 2011 | 59
Fitness/Health
Fitness/Health
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96