Today’s guest post is from Alison at ATK Style. With three kids running around, she has plenty of reasons why working out could slip down the priority list. However, I’ve admired her ability to juggle it all and still make time for CrossFit or a quick work out at home. I’ve asked her to share her tips with all of us today! 
This is a topic most moms struggle with, especially new mothers. Finding time to workout when you have kids is also a very personal and passionate subject close to my heart. I thought back to when my oldest, who is now eleven, was just a baby. I remember how hard it was to be a new mom, let alone finding the time to workout. I have 3 kids now, and they range in age from 11 to 5. As the years have gone by I have often struggled with this question and my dedication to find the answer. I will tell you it’s not easy. It is a day-to-day, and sometimes hour-by hour struggle. I, like most moms, am often torn between my time with children and time taking care of myself. Taking the time to workout, however, I believe, is a necessity for all moms physically and mentally.
There were many days when I had little ones at home that I found my only sanity was taking a few minutes out of my day to take care of myself. I have found that making the time to workout makes me feel better, and it is also a great way to model self-care and healthy habits for your kids. Who better than me, their mom, to show them how important it is to do that. It took me many years, but I’m now comfortable telling my kids that I need to workout, and that it’s important for me to take care of myself. I love sharing my goals and reaching my goals with them and helping them find and achieve their own goals. I have been blessed to find places to workout that are kid-friendly, and learned a few tips and tricks to finding time to workout when you have kids along the way.
I will tell you that you will have to work hard to figure out which tips and tricks work for you. Being consistent with making working out a priority and adapting your workout schedule as needed, will be the biggest keys to your success! My top 10 tricks/tips for finding time to workout when you have kids are:
1. Any exercise is better than none. Not having enough time is no excuse. It only takes a minimum of 20-30 minutes a day.
2. Start off slow and make achievable goals. Give yourself a break if you don’t reach your goals. You’re a mom. Your life is full of glitches in the plan.
3. Babies love to watch their mom’s work out. So pop in a video, go for a run, download a video from YouTube and go!
4. 10-15 minute spurts of high-intensity workouts burn as many calories if not more than working out 30 minutes to an hour at a time. Try doing 20 push ups first thing when you get out of bed, 20 more mid-afternoon or at your lunch break, 20 at night, then increase to 50.
5. Working full-time? Many studies show quality time over quantity time reigns. So go for a walk sans kids if you can before or after work. Or if you want to take them with you, little ones can go in a stroller or backpack, or if they are older, talk and walk with them at the same time.
6. Vary your workout. Try fun things. I have a neighbor who roller blades behind her stroller! I love to jump in the river and swim as fast as I can with my kids for about 50ft., then spend the rest of time just playing. WE also like to go roller-skating, paddle boarding, and kayaking together. Do you have younger kids? Place them in their stroller, bouncy seat, etc. for just a few minutes and smile and make silly faces at them while you do your thing.
7. As my children have grown, we have done 5k runs together, with them in strollers or walking or riding their bikes with me. Bonding, goal setting, and finishing a race are a win-win for everyone.
8. Make a goal to work out 3x a week. Choose your days and stick to it!
9. Workout first thing in the morning. Morning exercisers tend to stick with their program longer than others.
10. Find other moms that enjoy the same sports as you and join or create a group where the kids can watch, play, or join in the fun.
Here are a few quick workouts I love – you don’t have to belong to a gym to get a workout in!
1. 100 Burpees- (All at once or break up into sets of 10 and complete throughout the day)
2. Shuttle Runs- Yes, the ones like in P.E., in middle school… Kids love to chase their moms and run back and forth. This is so much fun and tones those legs.
3. Handstand holds against a wall. Start at a 20-30second hold. Goal 1 min.
4. Plank Holds- Start at 3o seconds and work your way up to a 2 second hold.
5. Dance! Sometimes what is good for the soul and the body is just what you and the kids need to release stress and tension. WE like to do 10-minute rock-outs where everyone picks a song and it’s a free-style dance all the way! Don’t forget your pretend microphone, drums, and guitar!
Finding time to workout is not easy at first, but I promise with practice and dedication you will be off to a happier you and therefore happier kiddos! If you’re looking for more quick workouts and stylish gear to get you motivated, check out my pinterest board here.
Here’s to making our kids the reason we work out, not the excuse why we don’t!
XO,
A
