I would exercise if i could find the time...

The food and drug administration recommends that adults get 60 minutes of daily exercise to prevent weight gain and 90 minutes to lose weight.  For most people even fitting 30 minutes into a busy schedule isn’t always possible.



 While we all have busy schedules- moms very often have the tightest, most hectic schedules.  The reality is that with the schedules many moms have, going to the gym for 60-90 minutes every day is not likely to happen. But, and this is a big but, that doesn’t mean you can’t stay active. In fact regular exercise will give you more energy, improve your endurance and reduce your stress levels.  You need to find that balance point between increasing your activity levels and keeping your responsibilities.  And here are some tips to help you do that.

First I want you to try and locate some reserve time. Write out your daily schedule hour by hour. Yes- hour by hour. What you’re likely to find are blocks of 10, 15, 20 minutes that you haven’t accounted for.  Those blocks of time are perfect for a quick walk, some stretching, just a little bit of exercise. It may seem like you are packing your schedule but that exercise time is also time for you.

Second- don’t let your schedule ruin your health. For many of us, the daily schedule dictates what we do. But it’s easy to forget that it’s our schedule. You need to, and deserve to have at least 15 minutes 3 times a week to exercise. So block out exercise time in your calendar and block it out with a red pen.

Third, try doing double duty. - take advantage of the time the kids are at baseball or piano by exercising during that time.  Take a walk around the fields, or walk the neighborhood where the piano lessons are taught.

Finally- don’t go at this alone. Chances are you have a friend or a neighbor whose schedule is as crazy as yours. If so, you can set-up a “kid swap” where you agree to watch each other’s children on certain days for a short time so that you can each exercise. . You can also take turns with your spouse or partner watching the kids while the other one exercises.

For so many moms, exercise is the first thing to go when schedules get hectic. I understand that, but remember- it’s your health that allows you to handle the crazy schedules and obligations. Taking time to exercise is going to benefit you and everyone around you. So try these tips out.