Exercise...do it!

Finding time to do it-You might be thinking..."I don't have time to fit exercise into my already busy schedule." Maybe you can't workout for an hour every single day and that's ok. Try 30 minutes 3-4 days a week and work up to more if you can. Are you a dvd workout person?, a class at the Y person?, a runner?, or all of the above? Figure out what you like best and build that/those thing(s) into your workout routine. Switching things up often is what works for me.  Right now, I mix up the dvd workouts with Asylum, P90X3 and T25 (ps P90X3 is only 30 min and T25 is only 25 min for those of you who are short on time), running, strength, core, stretching/flexibility and rest days into my routine.

Making it a priority-I have definitely had to learn to prioritize things in order to get done what I have to each day.  My kids and their activities come first so I often find myself doing my workouts after I put them to bed. But having my workout to do in the evenings, keeps us on schedule and gets my kids in bed by a certain time each night.  Maybe you are an early riser and working out first thing in the morning would be better for you? When I was a stay-at-home mom, working out during nap time was the easiest for me.  Figure out what time of the day is best for you and make that time a priority to becoming a better and healthier you!

Doing it with your kids-When I do my shorter video workouts, I always ask my girls (ages 6 and almost 8) if they want to join me and they usually say yes.  I let them go put out their "workout outfit" on and we have fun together.  We laugh when we are doing silly looking exercises and we cheer each other on.  Some of the exercises might require more coordination the girls have so I let them do it best they can and don't criticize.  The last thing I want to do is discourage them from getting active!  
I also do an outside group workout at least once a week.  Going outside is even easier to get the kids involved.  I let my kids pick a riding toy and a soccer ball to take when they go with me to my group workouts.  They play and stay active while I'm working out.  It's a win/win!
If you want to run or walk, let your older kids do it with you.  If you have younger kids, get a jogging stroller (bought mine off Craigslist for $60 and when my kids grew out of it, I sold it on Craigslist for $50).  Here's an easy Couch to 5K training schedule you can do with your kids and work towards running a race together.  Here's a few links that might help you out...
Couch to 5k training program
Couch to 5k Treadmill training  
*There's also apps you can download onto your smartphone, Facebook pages you can like and follow for tips and guidance and local groups (check out Fleet Feet or a similar store or the YMCA in your area to see what's available).

Setting realistic goals-Everyone wants results but you have to put the work in to get them.  Just make sure they are realistic.  Setting goals that are too hard to reach leads to frustration and eventually giving up.  I like to set short term goals for myself so I can feel a sense of accomplishment as I reach each one.  There's nothing more motivating than being able to say "I did it!"

Accountability partner/group-I was always a loner when it came to exercising until I joined a running group. It was there that I realized how beneficial it was to have someone there to push you harder and cheer you on and it made exercising more enjoyable.  I only went one evening a week but that ended up being my favorite day.  Then this summer (as I was taking time off from running for an injury) my brother and sister in law started a workout group with a few friends.  They have been my accountability partners for the past few months.  In that time, I have stuck with my commitment to exercising better than I ever have before.  It's been such a success that they are thinking creating more small groups for others (in the Winston area) who might be interested.  Check out the Red Fury Fitness website to see what we do!

I'd love to hear about the ways you stay active!

Staying fit

I have had a few people ask me how I find the time to exercise while being a single mom to my three smarties. I do not belong to a gym but have found things that work for me and keep me feeling good.  Here's what I do...

I found a couple of quick and simple exercise routines on Pinterest that I like to do.  I chose the ones that I could do without needing any equipment.  I find myself making excuses to not workout if I need to have all kinds of stuff to do it.  

Here's one of my favorites.  It's called the super fast fat blasting stair sprint workout. All you need is stairs.  You can shorten or lengthen this workout and the blogger gives you alternatives when you need to bump up the difficulty.  This is one I like to do after I put my smarties in the bed in the evenings.  

Another workout I've really enjoyed is Fit Friday: At home workouts.  No equipment needed and can be done in less than 30 minutes.  Another easy one to do once kids are in the bed for the night.

I love this ab routine and do it daily.  It can be done in the floor while my kids play around me and I don't need any equipment.  30 Day Ab Challenge

Running...It's something you can do without needing anything, you can do it anywhere, and for as long or as short of a distance as you like.  I recently bought a double jogging stroller on Craigslist ($65) and I will take my youngest smarties for a run/walk some mornings while my oldest smartie is in school. But even when I do have all three smarties with me, we go for walks around the neighborhood together. I want my kids to learn how important it is to take care of yourself and live a healthy life so I get them involved when I can.

I do own a treadmill and I will jump on it after the kids are in bed some nights and walk/run.  Getting on the treadmill was like torture for me for a while...I mean staring at a wall makes it hard to be on there for too long.  So I decided if I was going to use this thing, I had to find a motivator.  So I went on Netflix and picked a TV show I had never watched (I chose the show 24) and one that would keep my attention.  I only allow myself to watch an episode (or two sometimes) when I'm on the treadmill.  Every episode is a cliff-hanger so it keeps me wanting to get back on the treadmill.

I try and alternate between running, stair workout, and the at home workout.  I have found one thing is for sure with me...if I do one thing repeatedly without variety, I get totally burned out and end up not doing it at all.

I'd love for you to share some easy at home routines or things you like do to keep you exercising!  I'm always looking for new things to do.