8 WAYS FOR BUSY MOMS TO WORK OUT DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Sticking with an exercise routine can be a struggle for anyone, but for busy moms squeezing in workouts during the holiday season can feel nearly impossible. After all, how are you supposed to find time to workout when you can't even go to the bathroom undisturbed? 

Between caring for kids, taking care of your household chores, making the doctor's appointments, getting everyone to school, plus everything else on your plate, it's hard to find time for you to get your workout in. Throw in holiday parties, decorating, and shopping, and it gets even more difficult to squeeze in your fitness routine. 

Here are eight tips to help you feel your best and get your workout in, even during the holiday season. Stick with me till the end and I'll share a bonus tip for you!

1. WORK OUT AT THE BEGINNING OF THE DAY

If you wait until after work, you may never get your workout in! There are just way too many activities and commitments that come up, especially around the holidays, so get your exercise in early. 

You can take the dog for a run first thing in the morning, or wake up with some morning yoga. When you start your day off moving your body, you get the endorphins pumping and you feel great for the rest of the day! It can be hard to get out of bed on those cold mornings, but getting yourself moving will be worth it. Once you get your workout completed, you’ll feel ready to take on whatever the day throws at you! 

2. BLOCK OUT THE TIME

If you have an appointment on your calendar, chances are you're going to show up. If you set aside specific times for exercise and make it a priority, then you'll be more likely to keep that appointment for yourself. 

I know you have a lot going on with holiday parties, gift wrapping, tree decorating, and other festive (but time consuming!) evening activities. As a busy mom, your schedule is going to feel more full than ever. Blocking out the time for your workout will keep you on track and keep you feeling good throughout all the chaos. 

Time blocking is my favorite way to get just about anything done. Set yourself up for success by scheduling out your workout in advance. You’ll feel accomplished and be working toward your goals!

Related: FREE Time Blocking Sheets

3. HAVE A PLAN FOR HOW YOU'LL SWEAT

Once you've penciled in your workout, don't forget to think about what you'll actually do once you get to the gym. It's one thing to find the motivation to workout, but it's another thing to find the motivation to figure out what you're going to do for your workout. 

If you know beforehand exactly what you’re going to be doing and you stick to a program, you will make it happen. Here at BodyByBree, I have an easy-to-use app that makes it really simple to know exactly what you'll be working on every day, whether you're at home or at the gym. Taking the guesswork and decision making out of working out can help you stick to your plan and get it done! 

4. INCLUDE YOUR KIDS

Sometimes it is hard to find dedicated alone time as a parent. One of my favorite tips is to actually include your kids in your workout. Children really instinctively love to move. Working out together is a great way to set a positive example for them and spend some quality time together. During the pandemic, I had to work out with my kids every day because I didn't have another choice. Now they actually ask to workout with me! These workouts won't always be perfect, but it is better than nothing and it brings us closer together. 

Some fun ways to include your kids:

• Resistance bands - you can have them play hopscotch!
• Bosu balls - you can make it a fun little mini trampoline!
• Have each child pick a workout that we all have to do together for 30 seconds (jumping jacks, sprints etc)
• Use a deck of cards - hearts are squats and diamonds are push-ups etc. Have a kid draw a card, and do however many reps are on the card

Whatever it is, we're all doing it together! This is a chance to bond and also get some energy out! Plus the kids feel empowered because they are a part of your routine and you’re doing what they’ve suggested. 

You may notice when the kids come home from school, they get really agitated and sometimes they'll start acting up. This is just because they need to release energy from sitting for eight hours. Working out together will help you all feel better!

5. WORK OUT AT THE PARK

Who says that you can't get in an amazing workout at your kids' jungle gym? When you take your kids to the playground, try to play right along with them. You can do tricep dips off the bench, inclined pushups, step-ups, or pull-ups on the monkey bars. You don't need a fancy gym. You can get creative and have fun with it!

Especially if the kids are on holiday break, they’ll have extra energy around the house so the park is a great option. They’ll have a blast and you’ll fit in a great workout.

6. RUN WITH YOUR KIDS

When my children kept waking up really early and I couldn't go for my morning run or my morning walk alone, I would often just take them with me. You can throw them in the stroller and let them get some sunshine first thing in the morning. It’s a really great way to start your day, and spend time together while still getting your workout in.

They may even want to run a little with you down a cul-de-sac or through a park! Everyone can start their day with some happy endorphins!

7. WALK WHENEVER AND WHERE YOU CAN!

Whenever possible, try to ride bikes or walk to wherever you’re headed. Whether you’re going to the park, to school, or to soccer practice, if you can walk or bike, do! Don’t underestimate the power of steady state cardio and (bonus!) you'll get some of their energy out as well. 

Walking improves your mood, boosts your energy levels, and gets you outside! There are so many health benefits to such a simple thing. Make sure you’re walking as much as possible, especially when there are so many sweets and treats during the holiday season. The extra steps will help you stay healthy!

8. EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS

Don't be too hard on yourself during the holidays because let's face it, life happens and you'll have sick days, tantrums, gigantic messes that won't clean themselves. There will be days when you will only have time for a 10 or 15 minute workout when you’ve planned for an hour. That’s totally okay. This is a season of life and you need to work with the time that you do have to make the most of it. Don't compare yourself to other moms. Do your best and feel proud of the work that you are doing.

9. BONUS! INCLUDE YOUR FRIENDS

I'm going to include my bonus tip - that is to include your friends in your workouts. Whenever you have an accountability buddy, it makes all the difference and really keeps you on track! Plus, it's a lot more fun for you and for your kids. You can meet up at the park and start a walking group or do yoga together. Group exercise will bring you all closer and you can socialize while you get in a good sweat. 

Plus, the kids will have a blast playing with their friends while you get a good workout!

Remember to make it fun!

The holidays can be incredibly fun and also quite challenging, so give yourself grace. Fitting in your workout will help keep you feeling good, and working out with your kids and friends helps bring even more joy to the holiday season. Remember, don’t set unrealistic expectations for yourself, and don’t beat yourself up if your workouts don’t look perfect this time of year. Check out my blog for more tips on how to stop sabotaging your wellness journey. 

What are your favorite ways to get your workout in as a busy mom? Do you have some hacks or do you have some fun holiday season workouts to do with your kids? If you do, share below in the comments! 

For some step-by-step instructions on building up your muscles, check out my video, "How to Build Leg and Glute Muscles Fast."  

I'm a mom of 4 and have been a certified personal trainer with specialties in pre- and postnatal fitness for 13 years. I'm also a certified nutrition specialist and certified meditation and mindfulness coach.

I am passionate about helping women change their lifestyles to be the healthiest, happiest versions of themselves and I've seen it happen for thousands of women.

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