Simple Workouts for Busy Moms and Bloggers

It’s often difficult to fit in the recommended 3 or more workouts per week when you’re a busy mom and/or are busy working on the computer.

Busy moms with young children are less likely to have the problems associated with sitting too long each day, but it’s often hard for both groups to get in the necessary exercise each week.

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Here are some ideas that have worked for me as a busy mom and blogger at different stages of my life:

Keeping Fit as a Mother with Young Children

When I was a mother of young children, I didn’t have traditional “workouts.” (If you do, that’s great!) Still, I found ways to keep moving with my kids. I figured my main job as a mom was to spend intentional time with my kids. I just added movement activities into that time.

I was a preschool teacher for many years and loved singing and doing movement songs and activities with young children. If you have a preschooler, you have a good excuse to get in natural workouts while listening to kids’ CDs. You could also do dance, yoga, stunts and tumbling, or active games with your young children to get in extra “workouts.”

We also lived in the country and spent lots of time outdoors. That gave a natural emphasis on activities that kept us moving.

Keeping Fit as a Mother with Elementary-Age- and Older Children

As our children grew older, my husband and I followed their interests in sports to stay active ourselves. We did a lot of skiing as a family. We also went roller skating and then joined a roller-skating dance club as a family when Will was 10 and Christina was 5. We often went roller blading at a park. My husband was always athletic, so he did lots of bicycling, swimming, tennis, and other sports with the kids. I wasn’t an athlete growing up, so I focused on learning new sports (I learned to ski with my kids) and enjoying sports that fit with my interests. Again, spending time outdoors was always a good way to get in extra movement.

Keeping Fit as a Blogger

I became an empty nester in my 50s. You can read about how I had to change my eating habits and start working out 3 hours each week in my post “Keeping Fit at 57.”  The housecleaning workout my daughter designed is one of my favorites, and it’s something that would work well for moms and bloggers at any age. Any workout that’s fun, easy to do, and gets housework done at the same time is a definite help!

I also became a blogger in my 50s. Now that’s a dangerous combination! Since sitting too long has been proven to be very unhealthy, I’ve especially had to focus on different ways to keep moving. My daughter came to the rescue again with her “Workout for Bloggers and Other Computer Users.” I try to stay aware to move on my fit-ball chair or gel disc as much as possible throughout the day.

I’ve read about the benefits of standing desks (“The True Benefits of a Standing Desk”) and treadmill desks (“How Treadmill Desks Can Improve Your Health and Productivity”). I actually have a treadmill desk. I’ve used it some and like it, but I haven’t gotten into the habit of using it as much as I should. Note to self: attach your laptop to the treadmill desk and use it at least an hour each day. Use that as a 30-day challenge to make it a habit. I use a desktop computer most of the time, so using my treadmill desk part of the time would be a definite help for me. Some people are comfortable using a standing desk all the time. That wouldn’t be comfortable for me, but it works well for some people.

I also need to get into the habit of setting my timer every 30 minutes for a brief movement break. I’ve done it a few times, and it’s been wonderful. I’ll probably more than make up for any time spent moving through increased productivity. And it’ll be a great health move. Note to self: here’s another 30-day challenge.

Of course, I continue to try to get outdoors as much as possible. When I’m outdoors, I’m typically moving. I especially like to combine thinking with walking. I make sure I’m walking or moving in some way whenever I do my blog planning for the following week.

Update: In 2014, my daughter started doing dance workouts on YouTube. I LOVE them! They’re my new favorite workouts. See “My Favorite Workouts – Dance Workouts with Christina Chitwood on YouTube.” They’re short and perfect for mini fitness breaks throughout the day! 🙂

Have you found any movement tips that have helped your life as a busy mom and/or blogger?

I have lots of quotes and word-art inspiration at the Raising Figure Skaters Facebook page and on Pinterest!

Disclaimer: This post tells what worked for me. It isn’t intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem – nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.

Photo Credit: Stock Photo by Anna Bizoń.