It’s hard to find enough time or motivation for staying fit, and being a busy mom can make staying fit an even tougher proposition. So as with most things, it can be a big help to plan out a personal Bucket List in order to help you obtain your fitness goals in 2014. Here are a few ideas to help get you started.
Take Advantage of Online Workouts
The online world has greatly increased our options for exercising almost anywhere. Online programs like DailyBurn, Jillian Michaels, MyYogaworks and Gymagogo all offer great options that allow you to do customized fitness programs in the privacy of your own home and on your own time schedule too. Some of these programs offer free introductory workouts, while others charge nominal fees to enroll in a full workout program. Check out a couple of these and see what you think or do some research to find a fitness program that best suits your own needs and interests.
See Your Gym through Different Eyes
If you’re lucky enough to own a gym membership, maybe its time to take a new look at how well you’re utilizing it. If you’re anything like me, chances are by the time you finally arrive at the gym, you probably head in a trance towards the same two or three machines and go through the same routine until you’ve run out of time and need to head back home.
Make 2014 the year to break out of your old gym routines and explore more about what your gym has to offer. Commit to try at least one new machine a week at your gym or check out a new class that you’ve never attempted before. The body gets used to doing the same things over and over again, so your fitness results will benefit greatly if you mix things up a bit and catch your body off guard by continuously challenging it in new ways. If you’ve never worked with free weights before, adding 15 minutes of free weight work to your workout routine can help you tone up and strengthen. Some gyms offer special introductory training sessions at the start of the New Year, so check out what’s available and treat yourself to a personal training session with a trainer who can help you obtain your new training goals.
Try Out a Combination or CrossFit Style Class
Cross training is one of the best ways to challenge your body and to keep it healthy too. Too much of any one method of training often results in injury from repeatedly stressing muscles and ligaments with the same repetitive motion over and over again. Attending classes that include a balance of cross training, like 30 minutes of cycling followed up by 30 minutes of yoga, are a great way to get a combination of cardio, strength and flexibility training accomplished in one class. Companies like CrossFit, SoulCycle and Velocity Sports all offer great programs that will keep you challenged and you won’t have time to feel bored either.
Trade Coffee or Cocktails for a Brisk Walk with Friends or Co-Workers
Since time is often one of the main limiting fitness factors for moms, it can be tempting to use your free time to plant yourself over a coffee cup or a cocktail to meet up and chat with a friend or co-worker. Chances are that person you’re meeting up with has also been thinking about how to find time to get in a workout too. Why not suggest going for a brisk walk or jog instead which will still allow you social time to chat and catch up. You’ll save money on coffee or drinks and probably save a few calories too if you skip that croissant or calorie laden cocktail. Plus, both you and your friend will end up feeling better being active than you would ingesting unnecessary calories while sitting on your tush.
