This month’s article offers great tips for stay at home moms, working moms who are short on time, frequent travelers who want to stay active while on the road and anyone looking for simple exercises that don’t require much equipment.
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar
1. As a working mom of school aged children what tips do you have for me to squeeze in a workout? I would suggest that you wake up 30 minutes early and get a workout in before your day begins. It not only makes your day better but your whole family will reap the positive benefits. Your mood will be happier, less stressful and more time for yourself. If you are unable to workout in the morning, try working out during your lunchtime. Grab a few co-workers and lace up your sneakers! You could even start a support group at work, create a challenge and have fun rewards (Happy Hour, manicure after work or a trip to your local retail shop for a new outfit to go with the new body!) If that doesn’t work try taking the whole family for a walk in the evening after dinner, engage the whole family in a workout DVD or head on over to your local YMCA.
2. What are the best exercises for busy moms who may only get 30 minutes a day to exercise?
For a full body, quick workouts try:
- Arms/Shoulders – Push ups and Chair Dips
- Legs – Squats and Lunges
- ABS – Planks
- Full body – Burpees, Mountain Climbers and Jump Rope
**(See pictures/instructions below).
3. What at-home exercises can stay at homes moms do? Burpees, mountain climbers, squats, jump rope, jumping jacks, planks, butt kicks and push-ups. All these require little or no equipment. If you have a treadmill or some sort of workout machine you can also incorporate of few of the listed exercises and work on your machine for 30mins. As always warm up for a few minutes (try jogging in place), stretch and end your workout with a stretch. Do each exercise 10x and repeat 3x.
4. What are the best exercises that I can do and involve the children? You can do the above exercises and incorporate the kids as well. Create a circuit training routine and get the whole family involved! If your children are younger, put them in the stroller and begin walking the neighborhood. Your kids will love it! I always tell my clients: “A healthy family is a happy family.”
Tips:
- Put yourself on the calendar – You deserve an hour to yourself.
- Play with your kids – Get them moving too!
- Plan your workouts for the week – Having a plan keeps you motivated!
- Develop a support system – Group up with other moms, co-workers or The Pink Ladies Boot Camp!
- Invest in at-home workout DVD’s – Jillian Michaels, Turbo Fire or P90X
- Set a few goals – Write them down and place them where you can see them every day.
- Have Fun – Working out does not have to be torture! Get creative and enjoy the journey.
Angela Zapien was born and raised in San Jose, CA. She currently resides in South San Jose with her husband Alex and their dog, Latte. She is the Fitness Coach for The Pink Ladies Boot Camp and is both TRX Certified and CPR Certified. Her hobbies include running, scrapbooking, reading, helping others and going to church.
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