We all know that being a mom is tough – a good tough, but still tough.
It can be hard to get things done and equally hard to stay motivated in different aspects of life. A mom’s fitness journey is certainly not immune to that.
Even though it’s hard, it still really needs to be done. Staying consistent with your exercise routine will not only make you feel better but also make you a better mom. When you work out consistently, you are physically stronger and in a better mental state. Motherhood and fitness really do go together like peanut butter and jelly (or PB and Fluff, like my husband likes to say!).
It’s not easy to stay motivated. I get that. Life gets in the way. This kid is sick; this one has practice, and this one has a big project due. Things will always pop up, and try to zap your motivation. Here are five tips I use to try and avoid losing my mojo and to help me stay consistent.
1. Set achievable goals.
Always make sure the goals you are setting are achievable. If they aren’t, of course, you won’t stay motivated. It can even help to set smaller goals. Exercise for 20 minutes a day 2x a week, or walk 7K steps. Start small and work up from there!
2. Make it convenient.
Choose workouts that fit your schedule, or even consider exercising at home. Once I became a mom, I switched to working out at home, and I’ll never look back. It’s so much easier to squeeze in early morning workouts, during nap time, or even in between kids’ sports. Convenience is crucial if you are going to stay motivated.
3. Schedule workouts.
Treat exercise like any other important appointment by scheduling it into your calendar. You wouldn’t cancel a meeting with your child’s teacher, so why would you cancel a workout?
4. Find a workout buddy.
Having a friend or fellow mom to exercise with can provide accountability and make workouts more enjoyable. You can also find a group to support your goals and keep you moving!
5. Focus on the benefits.
Remind yourself of the positive effects exercise has on your physical and mental health: increased energy levels, stress reduction, and a healthy mind and body, to name a few. Stop focusing on aesthetic goals and focus on the important stuff.
