How to Make Physical Activity a Reality for Busy Parents

Ok, here’s the deal.  I know you already know that exercise is important, but how many of us actually take the time to do it?  Especially we busy parents.  We can barely keep up with day to day demands of parenthood to even consider exercise.  Whenever we do have extra time, we usually use it to rest or take a mental break.  Trust me; I know all too well the challenge of squeezing in exercise.  I am a mother of three kids, I work none stop and I try to be all to everyone.  Time doesn’t stop ticking, and no one has time to wait on what is important to me.  So, how do we stop this vicious cycle?  You and I both know we are not getting any younger.  The fat continues to add on each year and it’s still hanging around from several years ago.  We have every intention to address this, but feel so overwhelmed when trying to translate this desire into our REALITY.  It may seem like a huge task, but I can say from my own personal experience that it is doable.  Yes, you can exercise.  You can fit it in.  And, you can be proud of yourself for doing so.

Reasons why we don’t... 

Not a priority- You may not be a couch potato and the kids may keep you busy…but this is not exercise.  Exercise involves the intent of actively raising your heart rate over an extended period of time to build cardio endurance.  Yes there are other forms beyond cardio such as weights and stretching, but all of these require intent to be physically active.  Don’t get me wrong, functional movement is good (vacuuming, sweeping, cleaning, running after the kids), but it is not effective in weight loss or addressing health issues.  If this is the reason you have not made it a priority, you may want to reconsider.

• Lack of Time – We make time to do what we really want to do.  We even make time to do what we HAVE to do.  It’s just a matter of penciling it in and making it work with our schedule.  For you, it may work better to do 15 minutes in the morning, and 15 minutes in the evening.  Maybe power walking is your thing.  You can put the baby in the stroller, tell the kids to grab their Ipods and their walking shoes, and hit the nearest trail.  You can alternate days so that you fit it in on your least hectic day.  The possibilities are endless if you seriously want to make it happen.  Just think outside the box and give it a try.

• Lack of Resources – You don’t have to join a gym or need to have a house full of equipment to see results.  There are a ton of resources available to you.  Just use what you have.  Most of us have old DVD’s we haven’t touched or flex bands, exercise balls, mats, dumbbells, etc.  If you don’t have those things, a jump rope, canned goods, table chairs-all can be used for exercise.  If you have tennis shoes, you can exercise (running, power walking, jumping, etc.). If you don’t have tennis shoes, you can still exercise (yoga, stretching).  There really are no excuses.

• Lack of Energy – The truth about energy is this.  Energy creates more energy.  In order for you to increase your energy level, you are going to have to exert the energy that you have.  I promise you will receive a surge beyond belief.  (I can vouch for this personally.) 

• Lack of Commitment- Maybe you try to fit in physical activity, but find that you can’t stick with it.  You want to, but can’t.  Maybe you should consider your motivation.  Why is it important to you?  Why is it not?  This is an area you should explore to better understand your lack of commitment.

Why it is important...

o   Exercise improves the quality of your life and your overall health.  It addresses physical, emotional, and mental well being. 

o   It Relieves Stress.  Busy parents have tons of things to stress about.  And, the stress does not go away.  A good stress management tool is exercise.  You receive a physical high and it makes you feel great.  This is wonderful not only for you, but for everyone in your life.

o   It gives you more energy to meet the demands of parenthood.  The thought of exerting any more than you already do can seem to be a tall order, but it is true.  If you challenge yourself in this way, you will not be disappointed.  And your kids will have to learn to keep up with you.  How about that.

o   It sets an example for your children.  With childhood obesity on the rise, the depletion in food quality and increase of use technical devices, you being physically active can save your child’s life.  If they see you making it a part of your world, so will they.  The power of example is spectacular

Small steps to fit it in...

o   Do your research- Look for opportunities within your day to fit it in.  Explores times of the day when you feel the best to be active. 

o   Make time- Simply pencil it in.  Keep the kids busy. Turn off the phone.  Resolve to get it done.  It can happen.  You can do it.

o   Use what you have.  You don’t have to have the latest and greatest to be active.  Wear what’s in your closet.  Use what you have on hand.  Even if that means finally putting your gym membership to use.  Save your money for a reward later.  When your body is looking great and feeling great, buy something new to wear.  Buy new workout clothes then.  It will mean so much more to you.

o   Resolve to do it by any means necessary.  If you get off schedule, just pick up where you left off.  It takes 18 repeats to form a habit.  Don’t let obstacles and challenges get you off track.  Even if it has been a week, weeks, or months…It’s never too late to start over.  Simply, begin again.

Good luck to you and your physical endeavors.  I am excited about the opportunity for you to care for yourself in this way.