Finding Time to Exercise (3 Steps)

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I thought fitting a workout into my busy schedule before I became a mom was hard. Little did I know just how much more difficult it would be once I added an adorable little ball of energy into the picture. I like to workout at home, but if Zoey isn’t completely entertained she gets mad at me when she sees me exercise. She will try and hug both my legs while I do squats, step on my face if I am doing sit-ups and stand in front of me and yell NO! when I am doing cardio. I am not sure why it disturbs her so much… Anyways, sometimes a whole week will go by (or longer – if I am being honest) without a good workout.

I heard this quote the other day that was eye opening for me, “A goal without a plan is a wish.” I am not sure who wrote it, but it made me realize that I did not have a goal to exercise, I had a ‘wish’. With that in mind I have tested and tried a few different methods to see what helps me make time to fit in a workout. I have made a plan and I want to share it with you since I am sure (hoping) I am not the only one to busy to fit in a workout lots of days. I hope you enjoy this short tutorial and feel free to add to it in the comments, I would love to hear how you all find time to exercise! All you need for this 3 step process is yourself, somewhere to write a few things down (like your smartphone) and some delicious goodnessknows® snack squares.

Fitting in a workout as a mom with a busy schedule:

1. Prioritize! I find the best time to do this is right before I go to bed. I grab my phone out, which is where I keep my to-do list, and I write down all the things I need to do the next day. It is best to limit it to no more than 5 big things. I have noticed that when I actually write down ‘workout for 1/2hr’ on my to-do list I am much more likely to do it. Writing it down reinforces the idea in your mind, and every time you look at your list it will remind you.
2. Timing. Timing is key. I know it sounds lazy, but chances are that if I have already taken a shower and done my hair and makeup I will NOT workout that day. It takes me too long to get ready and I don’t have time for two showers a day. For me the best time to workout is first thing in the morning after I wake up and eat a snack. Identify the time that works best for you and clear your schedule during that time.
3. EAT. I put this one in all capitals because it seems obvoius, but it is super easy to forget AND it is vital. I used to always wonder why I never saw my mom eat until around 3 or 4pm. I now realize that she was so busy running around taking care of us (8 kids all homeschooled!!) that she really didn’t have time to eat till late in the afternoon. I, with only one child, and a full time, work from home job, often find myself in the same boat. It will get to dinner time and I’ll realize I still haven’t eaten breakfast. I cannot fit in an effective workout without eating a snack before and after. So I have been trying to make this a priority. My favorite snack right now are goodnessknows® snack squares. I have been loving the Very Cranberry flavor. It is full of dried cranberries, and coated in rich dark chocolate. It is delicious, chewy, nut filled, bite-sized goodness and helps me feel like I can achieve greatness. The other two flavors are Peach & Cherry and Apple Peanut… I can’t wait to try them.

If your mouth is watering from the look of those goodnessknows® snack squares be sure to check out your local Sams Club to buy a box! There will be demo displays on Dec. 5th & 12th if you want to go and sample. I love having a box of goodnessknows® snack squares in my cupboard at all times. It really helps to have something easy to grab when I’m on the go.

Well, those are my top three ways I have found to make time for a workout in my busy life. I would love to know what you guys do to make time in your schedule for exercise!

Xoxox, rach