Stockbrokers, engineers, city planners, fireman…..Great and rewarding jobs. But nowhere near as difficult and rewarding as being a full time mom. Being a mom means putting everyone first, then tending to yourself. As a mom you make sure your kids have everything they need to grow healthy and strong. That includes eating right and getting the proper amount of playtime and exercise. But what about you? It’s not written anywhere that exercise has to be a thing of the past once you become a busy mother. Exercise actually makes the duties of a mom easier. Here are 5 exercises to get and stay in shape no matter what kind of schedule you have.
- Basic Squat – The squat is a body weight exercise that requires no equipment at all. It’s simple, but very effective. Begin this exercise standing up straight. Make sure your feet are shoulder width apart and your toes are pointing at a 45 degree angle. Some will tell you to point your toes forward, but pointing your toes at a 45 degree angle will give more protection to your knees. Bend at the hip and bend at the knee as you lower your upper body into a sitting position. Your butt should be sticking out far in back and make sure your knees don’t cross in front of your toes. If you are a beginner in this exercise, you can put a chair right behind you as a spot.
- Torso Twist – My mother said this was one of her favorite exercises when she was pregnant with me as well as my sister. This exercise is great for reducing those love handles. With the feet shoulder length apart, twist your body from one side to the other. You’re twisting your torso and not your hips.This exercise hits your oblique muscles which are one of the must used muscles for daily activity. You can use a broom stick and place it horizontally behind your head to really bring out this exercise and remember to keep your torso upright.
- Jumping Jacks – The jumping jack was great when you were a kid so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t do it as a mommy. This exercise is performed by jumping to a position with the legs spread wide and the hands touching overhead and then returning to a position with the feet together and the arms at the sides. The great thing about jumping jacks is how much it gets your heart rate up and blood flow circulating.
- Lunges – Just like the squat, the lunge is a great exercise for the legs. Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, step forward landing with your heel first. Your knee should be at 90 degrees and directly above your toes and no further (this is to protect your knee). The motion is continued until your back knee is nearly touching the ground (a single rep). Return to the starting position by driving upward with your front leg and do the other side.
- Knee Push Ups – Between carrying groceries, toys and holding your kids (sometimes simultaneously), upper body strength is a must. The knee push up can be done on the floor just like regular push-ups except you have your knees as support and not your feet like the standards. If you’re a beginner with these, try 5 reps to start, rest for one minute and do another set of 5. increase the reps weekly for a month until you’re ready to try a full push up with your feet for support.
It’s not often that busy mothers have the time they need to take good care of themselves. Working out takes a back seat to child care, career, grocery shopping and many other things. These easy exercises for busy moms are designed to be part of your day to make child care much more manageable and rewarding.
Today’s guest post is contributed by Rahim aka The Homebody, who manages Home Fitness 360. He loves learning and sharing wonderful methods of getting in shape from the comfort of a home setting.
Lynn says
I feel like all I do is exercise! I pick up the kids, wash the dishes, clean the house, chase the baby…I need a nap just thinking about it!
admin says
Thanks for making me laugh, Lynn!!
Lynn says
I feel like all I do is exercise! I pick up the kids, wash the dishes, clean the house, chase the baby…I need a nap just thinking about it!
admin says
Thanks for making me laugh, Lynn!!
Jessie says
Hello, nice article, thanks. I need to try some of these !!!
I’ve been looking up for exercise routines and I ended up reading about shapewear.
I’ve never tried any, do you all have recommendations? Do they really work?
Jessie says
Hello, nice article, thanks. I need to try some of these !!!
I’ve been looking up for exercise routines and I ended up reading about shapewear.
I’ve never tried any, do you all have recommendations? Do they really work?
Karoline says
These exercises are simple and don’t even need equipment! They’re nice additional physical exercise to what Lynn mentioned, too. 😀
Karoline says
These exercises are simple and don’t even need equipment! They’re nice additional physical exercise to what Lynn mentioned, too. 😀
Kathleen says
I’ve also heard about shapewears yes. They had those leggings on the Dr. Oz show the other day, with cosmetics inside the fabric to help slimming down.
The name of the brand is Lytess, I think it’s from France, but I’ve never tried any.
Ladies, any experience to share with us ?
Kathleen says
I’ve also heard about shapewears yes. They had those leggings on the Dr. Oz show the other day, with cosmetics inside the fabric to help slimming down.
The name of the brand is Lytess, I think it’s from France, but I’ve never tried any.
Ladies, any experience to share with us ?
Caroline says
Hi everybody, I’ve seen the segment you are talking about on the Dr. Oz show and I purchased one to try it out.
I’ve actually had good results without changing my lifestyle so I’m happy I bought it even tho I was skeptical!
I may buy another pair to work out, I’ll try these exercises for sure, thanks for sharing.
Caroline says
Hi everybody, I’ve seen the segment you are talking about on the Dr. Oz show and I purchased one to try it out.
I’ve actually had good results without changing my lifestyle so I’m happy I bought it even tho I was skeptical!
I may buy another pair to work out, I’ll try these exercises for sure, thanks for sharing.
Kathleen says
Hi Caroline, may I ask where you purchased it from ? I feel like trying it !
Kathleen says
Hi Caroline, may I ask where you purchased it from ? I feel like trying it !
Caroline says
Hey Kathleen, I placed my order on fitandsharp.com
I bought the Lytess slimming leggings and I also got the post-maternity high waist panty.
I might buy other Lytess items in a near future, I love them.
Caroline says
Hey Kathleen, I placed my order on fitandsharp.com
I bought the Lytess slimming leggings and I also got the post-maternity high waist panty.
I might buy other Lytess items in a near future, I love them.