by Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie, Certified Physical Trainer, Certified Corporate Wellness Coach, WickedFiTT
Today, the life of a mom can get super busy, right? Whether you are a working mom or stay-at-home mom, the challenges are many between the demand to make zucchini noodles and cauliflower pizza crust to making sure our house looks like it was decorated by Joanna Gaines.
Add in large chunks of the day with your kids: cleaning them (and cleaning up after them), feeding them, playing with them, and of course driving the mom taxi. You have so many things pulling you in different directions it often means putting yourself — and your health — last.
There are just not enough hours in the day, and especially not enough hours for fitness. So, I decided to ask some of my favorite moms just how they do it? Here are a few of my favorites.
Norma Montijo — Keeping fitness a priority while balancing work/school/kids and everything else is sometimes hard. I might fall off the wagon once in a while, but I have to remind myself that if I don’t take care of me, I can’t take care of everything else to the best of my abilities. I have to keep positive and remember how amazing I feel after a great workout.
Tracy Ortega — I use fitness/working out as an escape from all my own obsessive thoughts, worry or everyday stresses we all face. Even after my killer workouts that leave me walking to my car like a newborn giraffe most days, I feel so relaxed, stress-free and energized for the day, almost like a reset button. I haven’t always been consistent in making or keeping fitness a priority, but now I’m trying to be better at it. I look forward to my time away from life’s hustle and bustle even if it’s just for an hour or two.
Brigette Matheson — For me, I just have to set the time each day and go! I make it a priority for me because right now it is really the only me time I get. I get that one to two hours just for me. I am able to burn off any stress, anxiety, etc. The kids are home all the time now, and with school being at home it’s definitely important for me to have a mental and physical release. It makes me a better mother/person. And it gives me energy and motivation for the day. Plus, the kids see that and it makes them want to work out and be healthier.
Brooke Gunter — The best way for me to keep fitness a priority is to have a gym membership with a set time/class so I’m held accountable and I have someone showing me/teaching me what to do. Working out first thing in the morning also helps me to keep it a priority before I get busy in the day. When I keep fitness a priority it positively affects other aspects in my life such as nutrition, energy and my health problems, so that motivates me as well.
Karina Ethington — I believe that to be better and do better in all aspects of my life, I need to first take care of my mental, spiritual and physical well-being. Fitness helps me accomplish those things while improving my health! Fitness is a priority in my life because my life IS a priority!
I would just like to add as a busy mom myself, don’t give up. Do not let that one bad day ruin your entire week. Accept the oops, learn from it and move forward! Remember, we are not always motivated, but we must be disciplined enough to keep going.
I am always available for questions: www.wickedfitt.com or wickedfittgym@gmail.com.