As a mom, I know it’s hard.

I just want to start this off by saying that I can’t experience your personal situation, but I can tell you a little about mine and my approach that keeps me coming back.

First off, the last 2 days I’ve only done half of the workout of the day…and I’m the coach. I feel like this information is important because no one is perfect and it doesn’t always go as planned.

As someone who’s been in the fitness industry for more than a decade, I’ve learned that half of a workout is better than nothing.

That’s what I’d love for you to see in this message. A few squats everyday so your kids can see your dedication and so you can create a habit of fitness is going to benefit you WAY more than skipping it because you know you don’t have time.

Can you fit in the warm up? Do that. The warm up and part of the workout? Get it done! Maybe the farthest you make it is getting your workout clothes and shoes on, you’re still starting to establish a habit if you stay consistent with it. 

My kids are 3 and 5 months old. Sometimes my 5 month old is asleep through my workout times (which is very helpful haha) and other days I have him in a bouncer in the garage. My 3 year old is typically away so she comes to the garage with me and either has snacks, puzzles, plays on the rings or scrolls through kids music on Spotify on my phone (yes, this is obviously not a screen free option).

RESERVE SOMETHING FUN SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR WORKOUT TIME

The trick is to find a few special snacks, toys or something that could be reserved for your workout time as a distraction.

INCLUDE YOUR KIDS

If your kid is old enough that they can do a little, maybe you teach them to jump rope, squat or do step ups. A few movements could be just enough distraction to keep them busy. In our garage, my 3 year old loves the set of rings we have hanging from the ceiling and she’ll swing on them for a long time!

PLAY KID FRIENDLY MUSIC

Districting your kids while you workout is a lot like car rides – sometimes just having music that they like could help keep the situation calm.

MOVE IT OUTSIDE

If it’s warm enough and you can set up outside, not only are you getting your workout in, but you’ll get that infusion of vitamin D and your kids can be entertained with chalk, sand, a shovel and some dirt – get creative!!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, it does take some planning ahead sometimes and some days the workout might just be skipped. The key is, if you skip one day don’t use that as an excuse to skip another and another, etc…Kid’s physical habits in life start by what they see they parents model. Your kid is a sponge and they will take notice.

What’s something you’ve used to entertain your kids while you workout? Let me know below!

Coach Amanda

*Please note, make sure when you have your kids around while you workout you’re choosing movements or equipment that put their safety first. If that means going to a dumbbell or bodyweight movement, etc. Its been that make the adjustment and not risk your kids safety.