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Move It, Mom!
How to Fit Exercise Into Your Busy Schedule By Tina Schmidt-McNulty, MS, CES
Being a Mom is a full-time job, so who has time to exercise? It can be a challenge to juggle the kids, work and be able to satisfy your own fitness goals.
Fortunately, a beneficial exercise program does not have to be rocket science or cost a fortune in fitness equipment to achieve results. Keep in mind that successful weight loss may take time, and a regular exercise routine in combination with a healthy diet is a lifestyle change.
In order to maintain health and prevent chronic disease, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Surgeon General recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week. That is a big time commitment for someone that is on a tight schedule! Learn how to fit exercise in a busy schedule and maximize results in minimal time.
Choose a cardiovascular activity that is enjoyable. Walking and cycling are the most popular, but if there is something else that interests you, by all means do it! Research states that exercisers are more likely to stick with their exercise program if they are participating in an enjoyable activity. Fancy equipment or the "latest exercise" craze might not meet expectations or facilitate results.
Next, consider separating this 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity into three 10-minute segments throughout the day at least three times a week. This way a 10-minute bout can be done in the morning, another 10 minutes at lunchtime and the final 10-minute session in the evening. Of course, the time can be altered to fit any schedule.
This "mini-workout" alternative gives the metabolism a boost and is a great way to include family members, co-workers and even the family dog into the exercise sessions without feeling the burden of a 30-minute workout. Try and fit this routine in at least three to five days a week to stimulate the cardiovascular system and activate your metabolism.
