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Ask most people what their biggest obstacle to fitness is and almost all will say ‘time’ For a mother, this could not be any more true! When childcare is thin and childrearing responsibilities are thick, it can be a difficult task to meet your fitness quota. However, as fitness professional and mother of two small children myself I know there are tricks to getting the job done. With the help of several fit minded Chicago moms, I’ve highlighted some tips and recommendations that will help moms find the time to get fit.
Timing
Most moms polled for my article agreed that working out first thing in the morning is the key to getting their exercise in.
“Personally, I am a morning person, and the rest of my family is not. During the school year, I need to leave at 7:30 a.m., so I end up getting up between 5 and 5:30 in order to exercise. Luckily, I bought a treadmill many years ago, and it really came in handy when the kids were babies-didn't have to tote them to the gym... just had the baby monitor right next to the treadmill and crossed my fingers I could finish my workout before they woke up!” Maria A. mom of 2 children, ages 6 and 7
“I am a morning person as well and the gym opens up at 5am and I do a quick/superset gym routine which also gives me cardio benefits 4-5 times a week. It is all about planning and not giving excuses!!” Toni V. mom of 4 children ages 17,9,7 and 17 months
Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, chief exercise physiologist of the American Council on Exercise agrees with our Chicago moms and states that, ‘by starting your morning with physical activity, you set the day's pace, Bryant says. "Morning exercisers tend to stick with their exercise habit," he says. "By doing the bulk of exercise first thing in the morning, you get your exercise in before other distractions can intrude. We can all relate to that -- because once the day gets going, it's hard to get off the treadmill called life."
Equipment
As long as you have the discipline, working out at home is just as effective as heading to the gym. Many moms agree investing in a good treadmill or elliptical is the key to their success. For those of you on a stricter budget, a few DVD’s and small pieces of equipment can be just as effective.
“ I have a set of free weights consisting of a 3lb, 5lb, 8lb, 10lb and 12lb which cost about $60 at Target. For my cardio, I have a jump rope and use my stairs as my own personal stair climber.” Jenna, mom of 1 child age 2.5
“As for DVD’s I highly recommend the Firm and Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. Both give you a killer workout.” Amy, mom of 3 children ages 2,4 and 7.
The Firm combines strength and cardio moves and usually requires a step-like apparatus. Jillian Michaels DVD’s also combines strength and cardio moves but follows her unique 3-2-1 approach: 3 minutes strength, 2 minutes cardio and 1 minute abs. Both workouts scored high in ratings with our moms as they both provide a highly effective, efficient and intense workout. By doing these DVD’s at home, moms can avoid the extra time spent heading to the gym by creating their own fitness center at home.
Make it a family affair
With childhood obesity dangerously on the rise, kids need good fitness role models. Who better than mom? My 3 year has a few fitness and dance videos of her own, so while I’m clipping away on the treadmill, she can be right along side me doing her exercise video. She even loves to lift my 3lb weights while I do my strength training and is well versed in many yoga poses. She’s come to understand that fitness is a part of my lifestyle and it is quickly becoming part of hers as well. Other savvy fitness moms agree that kids can be the best ‘equipment’ for getting fit.
“Every saturday morning we walk to a bakery. It is almost 3 miles one way so it is good exercise getting there. Also, I know this one will sound corny, but we play tag and ‘get me’ all the time. I feel like I am doing sprints.” Margaux R. mom of 2 children, 14 months and 2.5 years.
“To me, exercising and eating properly are just as important as getting 8 hours of sleep and breathing. Given the horrible epidemic of obesity and inactivity in this country, I want my child to see someone who models positive, healthy behavior and that really motivates me as well.” Michelle R. 2 year old son and one on way
As we know, children model our own behavior, so if we want them to be healthy and fit, we must be healthy and fit as well. Research shows that if both parents are active, children have a 95 percent chance of being active themselves.
Carve out the time for yourself-no matter what!
The most consistent comment I heard from fit moms was about making fitness a priority. Plan it into your lifestyle just as you would any other important activity. Finding the time for ‘you’ is really the key to long term success.
“I'm a mother of 3, ages,21,18 and 2 (soon to be 3--all girls). Imagine the rebound I had to make. I went from a size 10 (which is a pretty decent size saying that I'm an African-American woman)to an 18!!! I know right? But, what I found that truly and sincerely worked for me was to simply MAKE TIME FOR MYSELF! It wasn't easy, but it was that simple. I sat down one day and realized how I was taking care of everyone else except me. No one will take care of you better than you! Grab a hold of that concept and you'll make the time. By the way, I'm a size 14 now with an active membership at Bally's, work a full-time job, have my own at-home business as well, and my 2 year old is as active as she wants to be. So, yeah, I think you can make the time. Hope I motivated ya'!” Angela P. mom of 3 girls
In a recent interview in Oprah Magazine, Michelle Obama talked about making fitness a priority. “After I had Malia, I began to prioritize exercise because I realized that my happiness is tied to how I feel about myself. I want my girls to see a mother who takes care of herself, even if that means I have to get up at 4:30 so I can do a workout.”
Michelle Obama is a great role model. As we know, she has a full plate but still finds the time to take care of herself as she knows how important this is to her overall happiness.
Mom Friendly Workout Programs
Stroller Strides is a mom and child friendly workout program that encourages moms to stay fit with their little ones in tow.
“Stroller Strides is a perfect solution because it provides moms with a great workout that they can do with their children. There is no guilt for taking the time for yourself. And the little one's love it too! We interact with the children throughout the workout, so everyone has a great time. Stroller Strides provides the outlet that moms need to enjoy time with other moms, while also focusing on the much needed exercise to fuel their demanding lives. Stroller Strides is also designed for all different levels of fitness. It is a non-competitive and supportive environment.” Jackie Dorris, mother and owner of Stroller Strides Chicago
Other fitness centers in the city also offer ways for moms to keep up with their fitness. Bloom Yoga located at 4663 N. Rockwell offers mom and child yoga and The Bar Method located at 3144 N. Sheffield offers free childcare from 8:45-9:45 M-F for children 6 years and under.
Now there are no excuses! Between making your own fitness a priority and taking advantage of mom friendly exercise centers in the city, you can make fitness a part of your life and set a great example for your kids!
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