Finding the time to workout can be challenging when you’re a mom. Between the broken sleep and the ballet lessons and early bedtimes for the kiddos, you may find yourself too exhausted at the end of the day to get that workout in. 

As a mom to three kids under three, I can relate. But I also know how important it is to get that workout in for not only my physical health but also my mental health. I feel so much better and my mood improves after I exercise. 

So I’ve learned how to navigate the busy-ness of motherhood and finding time for myself amongst the chaos. Here are some of the mom hacks that have helped me fit in a workout. (And I of course would love to hear what your tips are, so leave them below in the comments!)

Workout tips for moms

Aim for a morning workout

Get that workout in as early in the day as you can. This works for several reasons. For starters, if you can get up before the kids for a morning run or a Billy Blank workout on TV, then you get your workout out of the way. 

If you’re working out outside, you’ll also be beating the heat in the summer months. And when you wake up first thing in the morning and start your workout right away, you’re less likely to be distracted with phone calls, text messages, and your to-do list. 

By working out first thing in the morning, you won’t have to chase your kids around while trying to fit that workout in.

Take advantage of high chair time

Maybe your kids are like mine and tend to get up early most days. My solution to that is to get your workout in while they’re in their high chairs. High chair time to me is GOLDEN. 

I usually run around the house starting laundry, doing dishes, and making beds because I know they’re safe in their chairs with their seat belts on munching on their meal. 

However, put yourself first. Throw on your workout clothes, put on a good show for the kids, and while they casually eat their meal, you get to fit in your workout.

Alternate days with your partner    

Fortunately, my husband is still working from home due to the pandemic. As a result, we have a little bit more downtime in between when he gets off work and when we have dinner. 

Therefore, we alternate days where we utilize that extra time for our own personal free time. Mondays and Wednesdays are my days to workout between 4-5 pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays are his time to workout.

I think it’s super important to be a team player with your spouse and to include them in prioritizing your workouts.

Hire a helper

During the summer months and school breaks, seek a helper — a neighborhood preteen or teen who’ll play with your kids for 45 minutes. 

Not all workouts require you to leave the house — find one you can do in your living room while your kids are playing in the backyard with a helper who’ll likely be relatively inexpensive to pay.

Remember: any workout is better than no workout

Are you limited with help and crunched for time? Did you know going for a morning walk can provide just as many benefits as going for a morning jog? 

It can help boost your energy, especially if you’re pushing a double stroller. Don’t discount walking if that’s all you can fit in.

Get the kids involved

Your workout from your early 20s might look a little bit different than it does now. If you can’t get a sitter or wake up before the kids, why not get the kids involved? Some days, my daughters will stand next to me attempting downward dog as we practice yoga. (If you search YouTube, they have Sesame Street yoga!) 

And other days, we play freeze dance and run around the living room dancing. Remember that you’re in a stage of motherhood that’s simply a moment in time and it’s okay if you aren’t physically in Planet Fitness lifting weights.  

The bottom line: Working out can definitely be a challenge when you’re a mom, but it’s not impossible. I hope these tips are helpful — and next time you’re itching to go for a run, you tell your kiddos to throw on their sneakers and you chase them around the backyard.

You can do it, mamas!