I don’t have time! I mean… I really don’t have time! So over the years, I have developed ways to sneak in a workout that is perfect for a busy mom, super excited to share these 3 easy exercise tips with you.
My number 1
Exercise Tip #1 No workout is a bad workout
I love to remind myself that no workout is a bad workout! You don’t have to be covered in sweat to burn calories. In fact, muscle building doesn’t require sweat at all! But sometimes when you feel a little burn you end up sweating and yes that is satisfying but I would encourage you to move your body with enough reps that you feel a burn in whatever area you are targeting. That burn is your body’s way of saying… I hear you… I am responding! And that’s what I use to qualify a good workout. But even if you don’t feel the burn… if you moved in an intentional way… That is AWESOME and is a workout worth doing! So don’t overthink what qualifies as a workout, just move! Your body will thank you later!
Exercise Tip #2 Stop and give me 10
This exercise tip is my favorite, the idea is that you can squeeze in a workout at any part of the day. Keeping in mind that no workout is a bad workout. Below are three ways I sneak in mini workouts when I have no time for the gym.
Creative Calf Raises
One of my favorite exercise tips for busy moms is to do workouts that you can do while you do something else. For example, I love to do calf raises while I brush my teeth. I like to knock out 3 sets of ten while I give my pearly whites 2 minutes of love. It doesn’t take long, but calves are tricky to build so the consistent workout makes a big difference in the overall look of my legs.
Secret Squats
Sometimes I squat while I wait for the microwave or sneak in a little but squeeze while I watch TV. Sometimes I just don’t want to do a full workout but these little two-minute impulse workouts during the day can add up to a powerful change in your body.
Behind the Scenes Butt Kicks
I also love to do butt kicks (imagine kicking yourself in the butt with your foot by bending your knees while standing) when I wash my face, or when I do anything standing that it isn’t awkward to move around. Again I don’t do this all day, but I try to sneak in at least one workout in the morning an one or two at night then gradually you look in the mirror and you will say… Hello, quad muscles!! hehe
Exercise Tip #3 Use what’s around you
Water bottles are my favorite weights and so are children, and so is my purse! If those are the only things I have near, I grab them while I “exercise”. My husband teases me for doing a little calf raise while standing in line at Target while holding the baby. But hey that is 20lbs of resistance that is working with me to sculpt my legs, and I call that a win!
Whenever possible I add resistance to any workout I do. One of my favorite exercise tips is you are not going to get the “butt of your dreams from air squats.” So I always grab some type of “weight” whenever I can. Even if it’s just a few pounds. Yes, even 2 lbs will make a difference.
Bonus Challenge
I am challenging you to do at least one exercise while you brush your teeth today. And then the following week add one more. Your body will thank you!
Xo
Chantea
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Check out my other blog posts Best 90s Workout Playlist