As we get into summer and your schedule starts ramping up, it can be difficult to fit in time to take care of yourself. That’s especially the case when you have kids’ schedules to keep up with, family obligations and — let’s face it — the sheer unwillingness to get all hot and sweaty when it’s already 90 degrees outside.
But, regardless of the season, taking care of your physical health is still important and working out should be part of your schedule.
Thankfully, there are easy ways to fit in some fitness, without dragging yourself to the gym every day, which, as every busy mom knows, can sometimes turn into a several-hours-long ordeal that you just can’t handle at the moment.
Here are six easy ways to workout more even with the busiest summer schedule.
1. Make It a Family Affair
Okay, so you need to keep the kids entertained in the evenings or afternoons, but you also want to get in a workout. Why not combine the two?
Take the kids to the park. Walk to their favorite frozen yogurt shop. Play a game of one-on-one basketball.
Whatever it is your kids enjoy doing, get in on the action and work up a sweat. You’ll not only be spending some great quality time with your family, you’ll also be doing your body a favor by keeping active.
2. Make Your Errands Work For You
Errands take up a huge amount of your time, and many days, it’s difficult to even see how. You thought going to the bank, picking up the dry cleaning and then stopping by the grocery store for a few dinner items would take an hour, max, and then it ends up being your entire afternoon.
Don’t use a busy afternoon of errands as an excuse not to work out, though. Make those errands work for you and combine them with your fitness routine.
Walk to the bank rather than drive. At the grocery store, park as far away from the building as you can. Have to call the cable company and stay on hold for half an hour? Use that half hour to speed walk around your living room.
3. Make It a Date Night
You can have fun working out with your spouse just as much as you have fun working out with your kids during playtime.
Obviously, you could fit in a workout in the bedroom after any ol’ date night, but why not make your entire date night dedicated to your wellbeing?
Instead of going to the movies, go on a hike. Instead of taking an Uber to the bar, go on a run through the park and then pick up some street food. Sign up for a couples yoga class.
4. Get Your Friends Involved
Similarly, you can get your friends in on your workout action. After all, if you know other busy moms in your neighborhood, then they likely are wanting to accomplish the same things you are — getting in some exercise while not neglecting their kids or their households.
So, make working out easier for everyone.
Maybe one mom offers to babysit while the other goes to the gym twice a week. Maybe one mom has a pool, so everyone jumps in for some exercise, moms and kids alike.
It’s easier to stay dedicated to a workout goal when multiple people are involved and it’s not just you trying to squeeze in a run every now and then this summer. Rely on your community of moms for support!
5. Start Multitasking
You probably have some free time in your schedule somewhere, if you know where to look for it. How can you multitask so you can get everything in your day planner done, while still fitting in some exercise?
Maybe you only allow yourself to watch your favorite Netflix show if you workout while you do it. Maybe you start answering your emails while you walk on the treadmill. Maybe you read that book for book club from your elliptical.
There’s some time in your schedule somewhere — you might just have to figure out how you can do two important things at once.
6. Go Easy on Yourself
Lastly, remember — you don’t have to work out for an hour or longer for it to count. Even just 15 or 20 minutes of exercise can be a huge boost to your wellbeing.
Can’t imagine dedicating even 20 minutes to working out? Split it up even further! Work out for 10 minutes in the morning, first thing, before the kids are up, and then work out for another 10 minutes while they’re down for a nap.
If you need to skip a day of working out — don’t sweat it. Just make sure that you get back into that routine the next day.
All that matters is that you make the effort. If you do that, and make exercise an important part of your summer, you’ll find it’s far easier than you thought to reach your fitness goals.
Other Helpful Articles:
- Power Your Workout: 9 Outfit Ideas For Every At-Home Workout
- The Best Workouts for Moms On-the-Go
- 5 Steps to Start Indoor Gardening for Healthier, Fresher Foods in the Kitchen
- Summer Productivity Plan for Kids- As simple as ABC’s!
