As moms we are kicking butt and taking names when it comes to our kids’ health and activities. But ask those same moms about their own health and fitness journeys, and several answers usually come your way. “I don’t have the time/money to work out, I HATE working out or I wouldn’t even know where to begin!”

Mom’s Health is Just as Important

It’s so very important to be on top of our children’s health. That’s a given. But it’s just as important, if not more, to be on top of our own health and fitness as mothers. We run the house, organize activities, work-full time jobs inside and outside of the home and simply do it all every day. We have all heard the pitiful cries of husbands and children when mom gets sick, and the home is in chaos as a result. Moms, we have to stay healthy, and a little bit of fitness will result in a happier mood and greater confidence. And it can even be fun.

Everyone Has Time for a Workout

I know you’re busy. Kids are a time suck, for sure. But I know, personally, that reality TV show somehow always makes its way into my slammed, busy schedule. Most of us can find at least 15-20 minutes each day, or a few times a week, to get our heart rate up, sweat maybe just a little and build some muscle (which in turn helps burn fat). Everyone’s day is different. For some, it might be getting up 30 minutes before everyone else in the morning to stream a 20 minute HIIT workout on YouTube. There are tons of them, free! Or maybe you usually sit in the car during your son or daughter’s soccer practice. Both fields that my daughter’s team uses for practice have space for walking, while still keeping an eye on the practice field. A brisk 30 minute walk can burn 100 calories easy! Add in some walking lunges, a little jog when it feels good or some jumping jacks, and you are burning off a donut, or two.

Make it Fun

You say you hate working out, why?! Is it because you get bored? Do you just hate getting hot and sweaty? Do you wish you had someone with you, a workout buddy? These are all legit reasons, and I even feel these sometimes, too. Changing things up all the time is one of the best ways to keep with a fitness routine. Once it becomes routine, it could become boring. Google new exercises for your goals, steal ideas from workout videos, even grab a mom friend to suffer with you. Misery loves company!

Work Out with Your Kids

I like to include my children, since I spend probably 98% of my time with them. My kids and I love to go to the park and make up games. I have them tell me exercises to do then compete with them to see who can do more squats, run faster around the swings, do 10 sit-ups the fastest. Before i know it, I’ve been getting my fitness on for an hour, and my kids are ready for a nap, win win!

Liquid Motivation

Meet your friends on Highway 90 and walk the beach for an hour, then go drink mimosas. I bet you’ll walk faster knowing there’s girl talk with no kids over a glass of champagne. As for getting hot and sweaty, girl, I just don’t know what to tell you. Move to Seattle?!

The Most Important Thing: Just Move

You don’t have to know where to start when focusing on your health and fitness. The most important thing is to just move, get your heart rate up, preferably in intervals, try to workout a few times a week and keep it fun! Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Heart Association tells us one of the most important things we can do to prevent heart disease is to be physically active. They suggest at least 2 1/2 hours of moderately intense physical exercise a week. Our babies need us around, so we should be focusing on our own health as much as we focus on the health of our children. The hardest part is getting started. Once you get moving, and see the results, you’ll be motivated to make fitness a part of your daily life. At least that is my hope for all of you.