Random Thoughts

To all the busy Moms out there, this one is for you. Another great article by Mariel Uyquiengco of Momcentre.com.

5 Easy Exercises for the Busy Mom
By Mariel Uyquiengco

Moms are a busy and self-sacrificing lot. We usually give up our own comforts and wants, and put our family first. Taking care of our own needs, such as going to the salon and having solo, quiet time, is the last thing on our to-do list. We easily neglect taking care of our bodies, as exercises for moms often seem like an outlandish idea!

Taking care of our own health, however, is just as important as caring for everybody in the family. We must carve out time in our busy schedules and dedicate time for exercising. Here are some easy ideas that our doable. We just have to get on with it!

1. Rebounding

Rebounding exercise is a low-impact exercise done on a mini-trampoline. It was actually popular in the 1980s and is purported to have a host of benefits, including strengthening of the bones and stimulating the lymphatic system. Once you have your own mini-trampoline, bouncing on it for 5 minutes a day is just easy. You can then move on to actually jumping or running in place for some aerobic exercises.

2. The 7-Minute Workout


The 7-Minute Workout takes exactly just seven minutes and is backed by a scientific study called “High Intensity Circuit Training Using Body Weight: Maximum Results with Minimal Investment.” It basically says that high intensity exercises done at a short period of time has almost the same effect as running or biking for several hours. Search for the 7-Minute Workout app on your iPhone or Android phone and start getting fit right away!

3. Yoga

With the abundance of exercise videos on YouTube.com, you will never lack for information and models on the best exercises for moms. Yoga is one exercise that we can do at home in front of the TV or a tablet. There are free yoga class videos and apps that can help us with the practice. However, it is also best to attend live classes once in a while to have an instructor check the correctness of your poses.

4. Baby stroller program

For new moms, leaving baby to “just” exercise is a silly idea. But how about you exercise with baby on board? Strolling with your baby in the stroller is simple and can give you an excuse to get moving while taking baby out for a walk. Once you get to a playground or a park, head to a bench and start doing some lunges, squats, and even push-ups! The idea is to hit two birds with one stone: exercise and still be with baby.

5. Dancing

Dancing is also one great way to lose baby weight; you don’t need to have good choreography to get the benefits of this full body movement workout. This can be especially exciting if you have a toddler or a preschooler to dance with. Mommy-and-me workout videos are available in shops and the Internet. It is best to watch the whole video first before actually doing it to ensure the appropriateness of the exercises.

Exercising can be the last thing on our minds as moms, what with running the household, looking after the kids, and putting our best effort in our careers. Though we might feel that we do not have time to get into shape, we need to fit exercising into our routine, even if it means waking up still a bit earlier.

Exercising everyday, no matter if it seems unappealing can benefit not just us but the whole family as well. We can stay strong and healthy and continue what we love doing best, which is to serve our spouse and kids.