Staying fit as a stay at home mom isn’t always the easiest thing. I think some people have the perception that it’s just a “sit on the couch” type of job and we should have all sorts of free time.
Any of us who actually stay home with our little ones know that couldn’t be farther from the truth. While many of us are chasing toddlers and following preschoolers around the park, sometimes there’s a lot of sitting on the floor reading books, preparing meals, and eating what is left on little plates.
All these things can add up — in more than one way. A few pounds here and a few pounds there start sneaking in, and before we know it, the battle to lose the baby weight is over. We give up trying and continue to let pounds creep into our lives — bite by bite.
I think we all have that friend who can eat 15 Oreos in one sitting and wash it down with a glass of Coke without putting on an ounce. While I’d love to be “that friend,” I’m definitely not that girl.
I’m the girl who has to watch what she eats, walk every day, and do crunches at night to keep her figure somewhat slim. As a mom of little girls (my girls will be 4 and 2 next month) and the operator of an online business and blog, it’s not always possible to do all those things. I’ll do great for a week or two, then life catches up with me and I don’t get to walk for an entire week.
While I don’t always find time to fit in formal workouts, I do try to add things to my day that help me compensate. Here are 5 tips that will help you stay fit while you stay at home.
- Teach your children how to do jumping jacks and other easy exercises. First of all, let’s be honest. It’s hysterical to watch a 3 year old try to do jumping jacks. Plus, they’ll need plenty of visual instruction. After your little one learns, do 10 jumping jacks after every book you read. What an easy way to fit in at least 100 throughout the day.
- Take it outside. When the weather is nice, take your children outside. Whether it’s going for a walk down the street, playing tag in the yard, or pushing your baby in the swing, you’re more likely to be physically active outside than you are inside.
- Park in the back of the parking lot. I know it’s tempting to park in that closest spot when you’re at Walmart or the grocery store. Don’t do it! If you park a long way from the door, those steps can really add up. More steps equals more calories burned.
- Do workout videos that are 30 minutes or shorter. Let’s get real: not many of us have 60 minutes during our “mommy day” to devote to an exercise video. There are some excellent videos on YouTube or available for purchase that allow you to get your heart rate up for about 10 minutes. Squeeze a couple of those into your day and you’ll be sure to see some results.
- Don’t be a picker. I think this was one of my grandfather’s favorite things to say to people. When he would see me snatching a bite of food off someone else’s plate or eating an extra cookie, he would warn me about mindless eating. At the time, I didn’t have to worry about my weight and it made me chuckle, but now it comes to mind quite often. When my little girl doesn’t finish all of her Cheetos, I’m tempted to eat them. Instead, put those leftover chips in a little container or plastic bag so your child can eat them for a snack after nap.
Do you have any tips for staying fit as a stay at home mom? I’m always looking for some other ideas to help keep my figure without needing to fit long workouts into my day.