Make it work: You got an excuse? I have a solution! MAKE IT WORK
My last few weeks have been filled with its fair share of hiccups. I lost a wonderful uncle to cancer, decided to get our place ready for sale, entertained out of town house guests, and battled a stomach bug outbreak. These are just the things that my mommy brain can remember at this moment. Life is unpredictable at the best of times. I would get nothing completed beyond changing poopy diapers and pouring cheerios if I didn’t attempt to make the best out of my circumstances. Most women I know are lucky to fit a shower in to their day, let alone a workout. Despite the chaos I made a lot of effort to continue with my workouts…and here is how I did it.
- I had to pick up an online order of photos. Instead of driving to Wal-Mart, I ran! I looked like a thief running home with an 8×10 under my arm but I figured if a cop tried to stop me it would be motivation to run faster.
- Baby M is cranky sometimes and seems permanently attached to my hip. I could put her down and try to do a living room workout to her symphony of cries or I choose to put her in the Baby Bjorn and squat my butt away. Having a 18 pound weight hanging from my chest adds another dimension to my workouts anyways.
- Torrential downpours got you down? Well I am lucky enough to have a loving supportive sister who happens to own a treadmill! I bribe her with free Tupperware then let her entertain my children while I do my weekday running sessions. Sister you are the best!
- Short on weights. As I am putting my groceries away I like to do a couple of bicep curls with common grocery staples. Such as jugs of milk and jars of almond butter. Then I make a snack.
- Be ready to workout at a moments notice. Being a mom is like having a 24 hour on call job. The second there is calm in the storm you need to do jumping jacks not jump into that pile of dishes that has been haunting you.
- I don’t advise working out with a stomach flu…that could be dangerous. But there is no reason why you can’t exercise with a runny nose. Fill your spandex with lots of tissue and if anyone asks just tell them your nose is sweating!
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a husband in the evenings or a sister with a treadmill. So make a friend with common fitness goals. Not to exercise with you but instead to exchange babysitting services. The kids get a 2 hour play date and you both get 1 hour to sweat off leftover Easter chocolate.
By the way…I would like to start a petition to ban the DQ Carmel Brownie Blizzard commercial from playing ever again. It is seriously challenging my self control…..
oh yeah, I guess I have a solution for that too…I could just SHUT OFF THE TV then I won’t be tempted anymore.
Picture: Making it work through a head cold
Yeah Steph, I am so proud of you for fitting your workouts in amongst the chaos!
Good on you for making it work! The Baby Bjorn is a godsend if you ask me…. M won’t sleep in anything else during the day so I can actually get some work done… Kinda hard to do the elliptical with him in it (too sweaty for both of us) but the laundry and dishes get done. I also stamp with him in it. Keep up the good work and can’t wait to hear the end result.
Wow Steph!! Your writing is inspiring me to do some squats with Jakey strapped to my back!!
Great article honey.
Love
patty
Great tips! Great advice!
PS. I agree about the DQ commercial ban! 🙂
To be the best wife daughter mother sister niece cousin neighbour friend etc.
You first need to be the best “You”
possible.Finding the time to look after the whole package( mind spirit body)
Keep up the good work.
I am proud of you!