Luna Pullover Hood | Solstice Sports Bra | Satellite Pieced Legging
Whether you’re a working gal, student or a new mom like me, I think we can all agree that finding time to work out isn’t the easiest thing. Without a doubt, we always feel good afterwards, but life often gets in the way and fitness gets pushed lower and lower on the priority list. So today I’m sharing a bit about how I’m learning to find time for fitness while balancing motherhood and work and a social life.
Luna Pullover Hood | Solstice Sports Bra | Satellite Pieced Legging | Stellar Tank
DRESS FOR IT
Sounds easy, but when I’m wearing fitness clothes, I find I’m more likely to actually get moving and work up a sweat. This is harder if you’re at work during the day, of course, but still applies to non-work hours. Since I’m now wearing athletic clothing more than my regular clothes working from home full-time, I’ve decided to amp up my fitness wardrobe a bit so I feel put together at the same time. And let’s face it- having cute, new workout clothes is downright motivating! In the photos above, I’m wearing some stylish leggings, and a cozy hoodie and adorable sports bra that Lukka Lux sent me to try out. (The tank is also from Lukka Lux, and I opted to keep it in my latest Wantable edit!) Their items are fashionable AND functional, which I can appreciate. Really nice quality, too. And I’m oogling over their spring/summer line that will be coming out soon! Swoon.
SCHEDULE IT
I find that if I don’t make a plan to work out, I never really end up doing it. In my day, I try to squeeze in small amounts of movement where I can i.e.- squats/lunges I power up my computer, pacing around during conference calls, etc. I also plan my workouts for the week and schedule them in just like I do other appointments. And it helps that I can literally pop in a DVD or jump on the treadmill, both of which are 5 feet away from me in the basement so no commute to the gym. And someday, I’d love for T to build me a desk for the treadmill so I can put my laptop on it :-) However, once it get’s nicer outside, I look forward to getting outside for a quick run with Bryce in the jogging stroller! But for me, working out during the day during my break is the best time because Bryce is an early riser, and there is no way I’m waking up at 5am (or earlier) to workout + shower. And I’m usually too exhausted by the end of the day once he is asleep to workout (although that may change as there is more daylight later into the day.) Regardless, your schedule obviously will be different than mine, so take a look at your calendar and see when the most natural times to exercise are…then make a plan to sweat!
DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE
If you’re trying to force yourself to do a 5am barre workout 3 days a week when what you really love is running the trails after work, you’re setting yourself up for disaster. Fitness should be both challenging and enjoyable, so be sure to pick activities you like doing! I love barre, running and DVDs, so that’s what I do. It’s nice variety to avoid boredom/burnout, and barre class is great for the group camaraderie that I lack in my other workouts. Also signing up for a few races throughout the year (including a larger one) keeps me motivated and dedicated to my workout regime. And I’ve been participating in some group challenges on Facebook with daily workouts similar to this (January right now is a squat/flutter kick/pushup challenge). Also love online video workouts, bodyweight workouts and when all else fails- I take to my Pinterest board for ways to mix it up (especially when I want some treadmill intervals/hills!) Bottom line- when I make time for doing something I love (and it doesn’t have to be much time), I always feel refreshed, de-stressed and energized.
IF ALL ELSE FAILS, TAKE A WALK
Sometimes, breaking a sweat just isn’t going to happen. I feel you! When this happens for me, I just make time to walk more during the day, using my Fitbit as a tool to show me how much (or how little) I’ve moved around. I do a lot of house walking, and move a lot when I play with Bryce (and even use him for weighted crunches, which he loves!) Walking might not always feel like a workout, but it definitely counts in the long run as part of healthy, active living.
(This post was created in collaboration with Lukka Lux. Thank you for supporting the brands that support me!)
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