How often do you feel so darn guilty saying, “Today is the day I’m going to get that workout in!” and it just never happens?
How many times do you jump into your workout gear first thing in the morning and end up wearing it all day without actually lifting a single weight (besides your chunky monkey toddler) because you thought you’d have time, but you just didn’t?
How true is it that 8pm rolls around and the last thing you want to do is drag yourself through a 30+ minute workout DVD with an obnoxiously happy trainer who obviously didn’t spend her day dealing with a toddler meltdown because you dared to offer said toddler a piece of toast with raspberry jam instead of strawberry? (How dare you).
Being a mom is exhausting.
Even the best days take a lot of energy.
Which is why I get it when moms tell me that they just don’t have time to workout.
Between the poopy diapers, the music and play classes, getting your business-y work done, and cleaning what looks like yesterday’s lunch off the floor, there’s not a lot of time (or energy) to spend working out.
The thing is though, you don’t need a 1+ hr workout 5+ days a week to feel stronger and start seeing results.
A little bit here and there can go a long way.
That’s why I love mini circuits.
Mini circuits are my go-to workouts when I want to get a bit of movement in but I don’t have a lot of time or I’m not in the mood for a longer workout.
And since you’re a busy mama too, mini circuits can be your new bestie as well.
You can get all the benefits of regular exercise (like more energy) when you get a mini circuit done most days of the week.
Pair that mini circuit with a daily walk, and mix in all the other active mom stuff you do throughout the day (yes, chasing after a naked toddler to get a diaper on them before they pee all over the floor definitely counts) and you’re officially invited to the #momswhoworkout club.
You don’t need to be drenched in sweat to feel and see a change.
If you’re anything like me, you have a tendency to be hard on yourself and you want to make it perfect.
You want to get a good workout in 3+ days a week.
You want to feel the burn so you know you’re getting results.
Maybe you even fall into “what’s the point?” BS thinking from time-to-time (or all the time).
What’s the point of even starting a workout when I know I’m going to be interrupted by my kiddo and won’t even be able to finish it?
What’s the point of working out just one day a week?
What’s the point of doing a 10 minute workout when I don’t even sweat?
The point is that it all adds up. It all counts.
And momentum is a real thing. Once you start, it’s easier to keep going. Starting is the hard part. Setting up a habit is the hard part.
Once you get going, it’s easier to keep going because you’re more likely to say, “Oh yeah, I feel great. This is awesome. Look at me go. I want to lift all the weights and walk all the blocks and wear all the active wear!”
So don’t dismiss quick workouts here and there as pointless.
Even a small amount of movement is helpful.
10 minutes of exercise every day for 30 days is 300 minutes (or 5 hours) of exercise.
Compare that to getting in 30 minutes of exercise one week, and a 1 hour workout class a couple weeks later for a grand total of 90 minutes (or 1 1/2 hours) of exercise over the last 30 days.
Do you suddenly see how going big isn’t always better?
So block it off in your calendar.
Set a reminder.
Publicly commit to moving for a few minutes every day for 30 days by declaring your intentions on your Facebook wall and asking your friends to join you.
Just get moving.
Even a little bit.
I’ve created a short 10 minute mini circuit to get the juices flowing and inspire you to start moving. If you want more ideas, snag my free StrongCore workout plan.
The reality of mom life is that there’s no predictability. Every day is different and sometimes sticking to a routine can just stress you out more. So stop putting so much pressure on yourself to get a full workout in 3+ days a week. Start small. Grow from there.
I’d love to hear what move you loved (or loved to hate) in the comments below. You can also tag me on Instagram showing off your skills.
Thank you so much for trying out the workout and sharing it with your friends.
Remember – it doesn’t have to be this big, life changing, “I’m going to workout every day this week” moment to get you on the path to feeling healthier and stronger.
Sometimes a small step in the right direction is more powerful than a ginormous leap.
Hugs,
Jen
P.S. Know a mom who could use a 10 minute time-out from #momlife? Send her this workout!
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