People often ask how I manage to stay fit as a busy, working mom or how I “bounced back” so quickly postpartum. To be honest, some of it is a metabolism I’ve built up over time through gradually increasing my calories and building up fat burning muscle through weightlifting, but a large part of it is being pretty strategic with the limited time I have. Although I would like to, I don’t have time to get into the gym every day – it’s a really good week if I make it twice. Therefore, being consistent with healthy eating and finding ways to make sure I’m incorporating fit habits into my life are more important than ever before. Believe me when I tell you that, over time, consistency with the little, habitual things adds up!
Here are five easy things you can do today to make your life a little more fit:
1.Schedule workouts on your calendar, just like you would appointments.
If you have particular days and times that you can plug in a workout, write it into your planner or add it to your electronic calendar just like you would any other appointment. Your goals deserve a time slot! I am 90% more likely to stick to my scheduled workout if it’s already a part of my calendar. I usually plan out my workouts about a month in advance, down to the actual workout I’m going to do depending on my fitness goals at that time.
If you’re looking for a few effective, no equipment required workouts to do during that scheduled time, check out this post or download my free Busy Mama’s Home Workout Plan HERE.
2. During TV commercials, do as many rounds as you can of:
- 10 pushups (from your toes, knees or off a wall as your fitness level dictates)
- 20 air squats
- 30 sit ups (or sub a 1:00 plank if sit ups don’t work for you)
3. Take plank or walk breaks at work, or throughout your day at home.
I have a friend who is also a successful author, and I remember him telling me that he takes plank breaks every hour or so when he is writing. I now practice this in the office, with the door shut of course! If you can’t find the time for a quick walk around the office/block, try dropping and holding a plank for as long as you can several times throughout the day (it helps to keep a yoga mat rolled up in your office!).
4. Keep protein bars in your purse for on-the-go snacking.
When you know you have a filling, healthy snack with you when you’re out and about, you can eliminate making a less healthy choice. When you think about all the fast food stops this tip could replace, it really adds up. I never get tired of these vanilla wafer protein bars by Power Crunch – I swear they taste exactly like a wafer cookie! French Vanilla cream is my favorite, but if you’re a chocolate lover you’ll love the Triple Chocolate or Cookies and Cream flavor!).
5. Keep a water bottle with a straw like this one with you at all times.
I’m much more likely to drink water on the go, in the car or working at my desk when there’s an easy access straw. Not only is water good for your digestion, skin, and kidney function, it also decreases fatigue and keeps your calorie intake in check by helping you feel full; A lot of times I find myself reaching for a snack when what I really need is a glass of H2O.
I hope you find these tips helpful in making your life just a little more fit and healthy. What are your tips and tricks for fitting in a little more fitness and good nutrition into your day?
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