by Coach Debbie

All moms work.  Let’s just put that out there right now. 

For moms who work outside the home, you’re rushing around the house like a headless chicken in the mornings as you get your brood ready for yet another busy day.  You work so hard at your job, giving of yourself and completing a lot of tasks.  And then you end your day with more kid mania and crash into bed exhausted.  Is that accurate?

So tell me when you exercise.  Or do you just have intentions of exercising but can’t seem to fit it in your busy days?  You know you should, but how in the world is that realistic as a career mom?

I have 5 tips that will help your mom bod:

1.        OH FOUR THIRTY!

I challenge you to go to bed earlier than you do so that you can wake up to workout at 04:30am.  Yes, I’m serious.  Easy, no.  Worth it, yes.  By creating this disciplined habit, you will have the luxury of a (hopefully) silent house.  You’re productive while your family sleeps, so that you have more energy for all that your day holds in store.  We only get 24 hours in a day, so maximize it by starting early and enjoying those happy hormones called endorphins.

2.        BATHROOM BLITZ!

This one requires that you stay hydrated, which is always a good idea.  Aim to drink 1 cup of water per hour that you are awake.  Yes, you’ll pee like you’re pregnant, but your body requires water intake AND by having to visit the loo often, you’ll enjoy an hourly bathroom blitz.  Here’s how it works:  every time you visit the restroom, turn it into a 60 second workout!  That’s right, just a 1-minute workout will actually do wonders for your body and energy level.  Obviously you will be crafty with the moves you do.  Go for a wall sit, or hold a squat, or if your outfit allows, go for fast squats.  You can also do calf raises, glute squeezes, ab squeezes, and arm circles.  See it as a reward for going potty, just like your toddler in training.

3.        __:55 BRAIN BREAK!

Your brain needs to hit the pause button.  Not only are you wondering what’s for dinner, you’re also wondering if you’re going to meet your work deadline.  When is the kid’s next dentist appointment and did you remember to text your mom last night?  When we just keep plowing through work, we actually become decreasingly effective and increasingly tired.  So take a break.  Here’s your signed permission slip to stop at the end of every hour for just 5 minutes.  All you have to do is stretch.  Stand up.  Walk away from the screen.  Go say hi to a coworker.  Enjoy a bathroom blitz.  Pray for your husband.  Look out the windows.  Schedule a manicure.  Let your brain rest for just a minute so that you’re re-motivated to get back to work.

4.        ACTIVE INACTIVITY!

You might have a sedentary job which affects your energy and your posture.  Work on finding ways to sneaking in fitness despite sitting for a lot of the day.  Park your car far from your office and take the stairs instead of the elevator.  On the phone a lot?  Stand, pace, or squat during your calls.  Go for a walk during your lunch break (or even do a quick 20-minute Momsanity workout). 

5.        DESKERCIZE!

You can even exercise at or near your desk without looking silly.  In addition to the suggestions already mentioned above, why not sit on a stability ball instead of on a regular chair?  How about you use that desktop for incline push-ups for just a few reps?  Use a chair for tricep dips.  Try lifting your legs and holding them straight out in front of you for as long as you can.  Get a standing desk even.  And no one will notice if you do your Kegels!

Being a career mom doesn’t mean you can’t get fit.  You can fit in fitness anywhere, any day!  We’d love to hear your suggestions for sneaking in exercise while on the job, so share your ideas! 

Want a 20-minute workout that’s perfect for 4:30am, lunch time, and even 9pm?  Join our Sisterhood today!