Ok busy ladies, some of us are moms and some of us have had the opportunity to “play mom”. Whichever the case may be, most of us can identify with the fact that that’s a fast paced lifestyle. When we are not planning what we will cook for dinner, making sure the budget makes sense, playing the homework cop, making a sprint to the school because of a forgotten permission slip of one of our angels…OH, and still trying to find a slot for the gym! Once again, ladies, time for others….no time for ME! You know, we have to “snatch time” whenever we can…five minutes here, ten minutes there. Sometimes, if we are going to get in any exercise, we have to make the most of those little snatches of time.
Here are some ideas that can be followed to help fit in small bits of fitness in small bits of time:
Drive Time – The glutes can be used for more than sitting. You can squeeze them and contract your abs (stomach muscles) at the same time. This will help firm the tush and flatten the stomach. When sitting in traffic or waiting for the light to turn green, raise your legs up on your toes while squeezing your calf muscles. Instead of finding the “best” parking, which usually means closest parking, park far away from your destination so you’ll have to walk. Arrive a little early so you have time to take a brisk walk to the building when you arrive.
Sports Practice With the Kids – Take a brisk walk around the facility while your child is practicing. Most phones have apps that will count steps. It always feels good to have a sense of accomplishment. If you are at a fitness facility, consider enrolling in an aerobic class for adults while your child is at volleyball or basketball practice.
While Cleaning The House – while cleaning may not be the most fun and glamorous task for us women, we can make it fun and efficient. Put on your favorite radio station or CD and dance the night away while preparing meals and cleaning your home. When doing the laundry, use the heavy baskets, full of clothes, as a weight…lifting as you walk. Instead of bending to pick up the laundry basket, do a few squats as you lift the laundry. Include your kids by giving them the opportunity to take a break from homework and do 3 minutes of jumping jacks or jump rope.
Quality Time with the Kids or Grands – Remember the saying that children live what they learn. If you don’t want your children to be couch potatoes, be a good example. Walk to the library for story time or to pick out their favorite book, plan consistent play times at the park or local swimming pool. By making physical activity fun, you’ll lay the foundation for your kids to have healthy active lives.
So, see ladies sometimes we have to “squeeeeeezzzze it in” We have to “fit” it in where we can “git” it in…exercise that is. View exercise as that favorite outfit that you may have outgrown. If you like it enough, you will squeeze into it. Well, exercise is just as important. The next time you are doing your daily activities, make sure you “squeeze in a few exercise moves.