Why “Something is Better Than Nothing” for Moms Looking to Exercise
To all the moms out there juggling a million tasks while still trying to prioritize their health, this one's for you. We get it—life changes dramatically when you become a mom, and suddenly, that one-hour workout you used to enjoy transforms into a fleeting 30 minutes, if you're lucky.
The reality is - this season IS different. Your schedule isn’t necessarily yours anymore. You have more interruptions, probably less sleep and energy - the list goes on. We’re here to tell you though, that something is truly better than nothing!
We want to help you fully embrace that mantra and mindset. Here are a few reframes to help you think about exercising in this season:
Quality over quantity: Right now in motherhood, you might no longer get an hour or hour and a half long gym workout. Instead of mourning the loss of long gym sessions, a helpful shift can be to focus on the fun of efficiency. A focused 30-minute at home workout can be just as effective, if not more, when approached with intention and intensity. 30 minutes IS enough time to get in an awesome workout that feels great and provides you with all the benefits that come with exercise.
There’s power in consistency: Consistency is key, especially when time might be short. Rather than stressing about the duration of your workouts, focus on making exercise a consistent part of your routine. Whether it's a quick morning stretch, a brisk walk during lunch, or a home workout after the kids are in bed, the cumulative impact of regular, shorter sessions adds up over time.
Be flexible: Raise your hand if you feel like your schedule isn’t your own anymore? Embrace flexibility in both your mindset and your exercises. Baby got up extra early and you’re already awake? What about grabbing some weights and putting them on a play mat and getting in as much of a workout as you can. Or your toddler accidentally falls asleep - could you do a 10 minute core workout? Remember, any movement is a step in the right direction.
All movement counts: Exercise doesn't always have to happen in a gym or follow a rigid schedule to count. If that’s not the season you’re in right now, what CAN you do to move your body in a way that feels good? Get creative! Play tag with your kids, turn household chores into a mini workout or take long family walks. Find something that brings you joy and that you can fit into your current stage of motherhood.
Progress over perfection: As hard as it can be, we HAVE to let go of the all-or-nothing mentality. It’s not sustainable or realistic for many periods of motherhood. Understand that some days, a full workout might not be possible, and that's okay. Instead of feeling discouraged, celebrate the effort you put in, no matter how small. Remember, progress over perfection is the key to long-term sustainable habits.
Which of these shifts could help you today in finding ways to move your body more? We hope you can slice out a little time for you in this very full season of life - because you deserve it.
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