5 Ways for Busy Moms to Squeeze in a Workout

Can you guess the number one reason people have for not working out?

Time. 

There simply isn’t enough hours in the day. With the exception of 5:00-5:30 pm, when I’m waiting for my husband to come home… that half hour feels like eternity. 

When you are home with little ones, it’s tough to find enough time to shower, let alone work out. We all know how important exercise is, but, come on… this sleep deprived mama needs a nap and maybe a shower and something to eat too. 

Yes, running around with an ever-busy toddler and a thank-God-she’s-not-mobile-yet baby can be tiring to say the least. Yet, I still find the time to workout most every day during the week. If I can make it work, I’m sure you can too!

Here are 5 ways for busy moms to squeeze in a workout.

5 Ways for Busy Moms to Squeeze in a Workout

1. Workout during nap time

If you have little ones who take naps, you are in luck! This is ultimately my go-to time of the day to workout. I tuck the kids in then run downstairs and immediately start working out. I don’t allow myself to even think about opening Facebook until I’ve finished at least 10 minutes of a workout.

What do you mean 10 minutes? That’s not long enough! 

Sure it is! There are plenty of short, but intense HIIT or Tabata-type workouts you can do when you are short for time.

• Try my HIIT workout
• Or, learn about Tabata workouts

2. Break it up 

Okay, so maybe your kids don’t take long naps or dare I say it… no naps at all. There’s still hope for you to workout! The US Department of Health and Human Services may recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, but that doesn’t mean every workout needs to be an hour long. Instead, break it up for at least 10 minutes at a time. So, instead of completing a 30 minute workout in one session, start the day off with a 10 minute workout while your spouse is home to help with the kids, try another 10 minute workout during lunch time and finish the day with another 10 minute workout.

If you are doing short workouts, it’s fairly easy to complete them while the kids are up. Your toddler may not sit quietly and play for 30 minutes, but he may do it just fine for 10 minutes.

3. Include your kids 

You know how your toddler is always driving you crazy with that endless amount of energy? Take advantage of it and tire them out at the same time!

• Play tag
• Play red light, green light
• Hopscotch
• Just run around, no rules, just fun. My son loves to run around in circles with me.
• Have a dance party
• Jump rope
• Rough house (Bonus: There are some great benefits for roughhousing with your kids)
• Do some Mommy & Me Yoga. My sister-in-law loves doing yoga with her daughter and son!
• You can also sign up for more formal classes, like Stroller Strides.

4. Take turns with your spouse 

Even though I primarily workout during the day, sometimes I need to take some time for myself. See if your spouse will take turns with you at night or in the morning watching the kids while the other goes off for a workout. This is the perfect solution if you are too tired during the day or your kids are so not into napping at the same time.

• If your spouse needs a little convincing, show him these 9 Health Benefits of Exercise.

5. Find a gym with child care 

This suggestion will cost you a little money, but it’s truly worth it if you can make it happen. We belong to our local YMCA. They have a wonderful child care facility, awesome gym and plenty of great fitness classes.

No matter what your schedule is like, there’s a way to squeeze in a workout. Find something you enjoy doing and stick with it! If you can find the time to watch Game of Thrones (anyone else excited?), you can certainly find some time for exercise.

Try out these workouts!

7 Out of the Box Workout Ideas

Easy Arm Exercises

Stroller Core Workout

For more workouts, follow my workout board on pinterest!