7 Tips for mom's struggling to workout at home with kids

Workout DONE

My journey as full-time ( caregiver ) mom to my special needs son Michael ( 22 years old ) has begun this summer. Michael graduated high school and will be home full-time with me, along with my granddaughter Cora ( 4 months old ). Being a caregiver is not easy, most days Michael runs the day. We have good days, bad days, laundry every day, but we have GREAT DAYS too!!

I have been on and off the workout mojo for many years. Life has gotten in the way and I've fallen off track plenty of times. When falling off track and not exercising or eating foods that fuel my body I feel like crap!! Those feelings propel me back up, so I can feel good again. I've been preparing for the day Michael came home full-time and decided to commit to staying on track with my wellness journey. This meant working out at home if I wanted to stay committed. Here are some tips that I use that might help other moms wanting to feel better mentally and physically and use movement as the source.

Tip #1 - Create a morning routine

Im sure you have heard this many times but it helps. Our routine looks like this;

We get up and go outside, during this time I have my morning pick me up, then both the kids get fed, I get them situated and immediately start my workout. I find it best to feed them first so they are relaxed and full. Sometimes the baby goes back to sleep. It doesn't matter what time we get up I try to stick to this routine. The kids expect now because it not only is my morning routine it is theirs.

Tip #2 - Pause and Restart,

It’s bound to happen, the baby cries, Michael is getting into something, and they need some attention. I pause and restart, I give myself grace and know it will be ok, and restart.

Tip #3 - Face the kids

When I sense they won’t be tolerating it much longer I face the kids to do my workouts. The baby loves funny faces or even me just talking to her as I do my sets. Michael gets annoyed and decides to settle back into watching the workouts. Surprisingly they both like watching the workouts, they look at tv and back at me.

Tip #4 - Workout during nap time

Pretty self-explanatory, kids go down for a nap momma gets her workout in. For myself, I don’t use this often because I like to do my workouts first thing.

Tip #5 - Include them

A few times I did need to pick the baby up and do some of my workout, it added 15lbs to those squats. When Michael gets too adventurous I stand him up and move him as best as can like the instructor, he usually wants to sit down on the sofa pretty fast.

Tip #6 - Stick to 25-40 minute workouts

I've noticed 30 minutes is the sweet spot for us. I can do my workout with not many stops if any. Play around and see if you notice when they stop watching and need attention.

Tip #7- Do what you can

It’s going to be a day that they need snuggles and you didn’t get the best workout, that is ok!

I hope you have enjoyed this post, if you have any questions feel free to message me on social. You can find me on IG and Facebook at Zip Everyday.