Most of the time, when we consider starting a workout routine, we think of aspects like drive, focus, endurance, and stamina. However, as a single parent, you also think of time constraints, stress, and exhaustion. You’ve got to get the kids to daycare and school on time, get them to their extracurriculars, make it through the work day, and perform all the necessary steps to wrap up the day and prep for the next.
The desire to get fit and start a workout routine can feel like a pipedream. However, we rarely consider that the journey to a healthier lifestyle can be as much of a blast as the end result. The secret to staying well-motivated is simply to design a workout that is fitting for you. As a parent, you know that fitting in “me time” takes a little bit of planning and creativity, and incorporating fitness is the same. Stretch out of the norm and do something new like run a 5k race, join a local recreational league, or find exercises to complete at home. Any of these new activities can position you on the fast track to a healthier lifestyle.
Race Time
Maybe it sounds a little too dreamy to be a workout, but 5k races are actually fun. Committing to complete a 5k race just four times a year is great motivation for year-round training. You will find yourself walking up and down the sidewalk on your street in preparation for each big day, and before long you may even amp up your speed to a run. Your training has the potential to become a part of your lifestyle, because of your commitment to complete the challenge.
Try a Sport
Joining a recreational sports league is the sort of thing that can help you achieve your fitness dream. For those who could benefit from a set practice schedule, coaching, and team camaraderie, joining a rec league might be the best opportunity for you. Nowadays, there are plenty of options to choose from, such as: baseball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and more. Keep in mind that taking up a team sport will probably require some gear and athletic wear, so be prepared to purchase necessary items like baseball or soccer cleats, an athletic supporter if you’re a dad or a sports nursing bra if you’re a new mom.
Get Creative
As a parent, you’ve learned to expect the unexpected, and sometimes your schedule has to be put on the backburner. When you need to make the best of your situation, sometimes a home workout is the best option. Set yourself up with a jazzy Bluetooth speaker for your playlist (there are many affordable options with great sound regardless of the genre you love) and take a crack at bodyweight workouts, or look for some free fitness videos and pull out your dumbbells. If you fit in a workout while the kids or doing homework or the baby is sleeping, you can make the most of the time you have, even if it’s short. Something is always better than nothing.
Through ingenuity and a different approach, you can make all of the pieces of your fitness plan fall into place. And it can be on your terms and tailored to your lifestyle. Dare to make exercising worthwhile, and freestyle your fitness lifestyle.
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