Get-Fit Motivation for Busy Moms

Parenthood has a way of simultaneously packing on the pounds while keeping our schedules packed. Here locals share what really helps them stick with their workouts,
even when time is short and that to-do list gets crazy-long...

Fitness Motivation for Busy Moms

By Leigh Hamrick

Hasn’t it happened to every new parent? The baby arrives, and suddenly nothing matters except that amazing little person. Until the day we catch a glimpse of ourselves in a storefront window and realize our jogging pants haven’t seen real action since college. Yet having children is so time-consuming, who can fit exercise into their busy schedule? Honestly? You can!

Finding the Time (and Energy)
“It’s simple,” says Sacramento Baby Boot Camp instructor Leigh Hobson. “Make time! Not only for yourself, but for your little ones.”

“I made time for exercise after having children because I knew I'd be a better mom if I took care of myself," says Lisa Hillstrom, a mother of two from Lodi. "I wanted to be fit enough to chase my children around.” Lisa adds, “By taking the time to exercise, my back doesn't ache and I feel more energetic.”

 Lisa finds that the energy she gets from working out makes it time well spent. “It's hard to rally to go to an exercise class," she says, "but once I'm there, I'm always so glad I attended.” 

Michelle Middleton, another Baby Boot Camp participant, finds working out gives her more energy too. “Emotionally I feel energized, and my body is getting stronger after my pregnancy. I love how I feel after a workout for the rest of the day. I find I have a sense of accomplishment and am happier all the way around—with my husband, my baby, my friends, myself!”

 

Big Benefits for Little Ones
Leigh has been making fitness a priority since her son was nine months old. Not only has it paid off for her, but she’s seen the influence it’s had on him as well. “He thinks everyone wakes up, goes to exercise class and then does the rest of their day,” she laughs. “He does walking lunges behind the mini grocery carts, he does planks at home and push-ups on walls. I know I am instilling fitness as a daily part of his routine.” 

Leea agrees. “Working out with your kids is very rewarding because they follow your example. My boys do wall push-ups all the time.”

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We asked*: What would help your workout most?
You answered:  "More time" and "motivation!" were tops on your workout wish lists.
(If only those came in powdered form, we'd add them to our smoothies too!)

*In our November survey at SacramentoParent.com

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Cami Zeissler is the child care manager for California Family Fitness’ Natomas club. “Getting into a routine,” she says, “is very helpful in reaching fitness goals, because it’s not only about making time for yourself, but also encouraging children to be active.”

And don’t leave Dad out! Cami offers this tip for busy moms: “Make a date night at the gym! We’ll watch your kids while you and your partner spend time together being active.”

 

Working the Buddy System
“A lot of new moms find themselves stuck inside with their baby and don’t get much adult interaction, especially other mommy contact,” says Leigh. She sees that isolation as a big stumbling block for new parents trying to fit exercise into their routines.

“Because we work out with our kids in their strollers, moms can bring their little ones as soon as they have doctor clearance,” Leigh says. It gives new moms a chance to socialize and meet other new moms, "which is imperative to beat the ‘baby blues’ a lot of women experience,” adds Leigh.

“Working out improved my physical and mental health,” says Leea. “More importantly, it's the friendships I've made during class that make it a perfect package.”

Of course, classes aren't the only way to buddy up. Yvonne Shenefield, a mother of three in Antelope, regularly meets up with her friend, Angelica Giesbrecht, to run the bleachers at American River College. Their husbands mind the children while they work out. Yvonne says, “I stay motivated having Angelica to run with, or, in my case, keep up with!” She adds, “I actually look forward to it now. I have my bad days of not wanting to run, but those are the days that Angelica pushes me, and vice versa.”

Bottom line? No matter what your motivation—looking good, feeling good, making friends, or providing your family with healthy habits—the results are worth it.