Many moms and Adults forget to take care of their basic needs to ensure that they remain healthy.
Skipping meals, missing workouts and not finding time for skin care, over time, can have a negative impact on your health and body confidence. It’s time for a fitness mommy makeover plan so that you can look and feel your best. A mom that feels good, is a Family that will be Good. Your habits will transfer to your kids, and the ones around you. Make sure you spread the positive ;)
TIPS for a Fitness Makeover:
Set a Fitness Goal
Improving your overall fitness level can positively impact you and the children you love so much. As your fitness improves, you will be able to better keep up with them and their busy schedule. Set a personal goal.Do you want to be stronger, faster, have more endurance, improve your energy level, or all of the above? If you set a goal to get active and write it down, taking the action steps to achieve it will be much easier.
Treat Yourself to a Fitness Gadget or App
Now that you have set a goal for yourself, think of a way that you can monitor your progress. Investing in simple gadgets, such as a pedometer or heart rate monitor, may help keep you motivated and enable you to celebrate your improvements. There are several free apps for smart phones, too, so spend some time to explore what technology will best suit your needs.
I personally Use Nike + to make sure I see my runs and have the coach Voice to keep me on my toes, then I do 15 mins of weights or planks and basic stretching.
Look for an Event to Participate in:
Having something active to look forward to on a weekly or monthly basis and, better yet, doing it with a friend, will help keep you on track with your fitness plan. There are so many fun fitness events to consider: 5k runs, charity events, local dance classes, and many more. Treating yourself to a special occasion is a great way to re energize after a long week.
Take Mini Breaks
Find time everyday for a mini fitness break. A five minute workout on your busy days is better than doing nothing at all. Every second counts when it comes to getting fit and relieving your stress level. With so many mini workouts online from which to choose, you have no excuses. My fit tips on YouTube will help you get started.
Schedule Some M-“OM” Time
By ‘OM’ I mean yoga, stretching, breathing and meditation. Its great if you can do some every day before bed or whenever you are feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. It’s amazing how refreshing taking five deep breaths can be, especially when the little ones are testing your patience. A stretch out session before you go to bed may improve your sleep, too.
5 Workouts.
In order to shape up and get fit, you need to engage in a well-rounded fitness plan that includes cardio, strength, flexibility and endurance. Squeezing in a workout, even if it is short, is better than doing nothing at all. Here are five routines that you can try to add to your week, based on how much time you have available.
One move 5 min challenge:
This one single move will work all of your muscles.
10 minute jump rope:
Find your inner child and challenge your coordination with this fun jump rope routine.
20 minute cardio:
This athletic routine will get your heart rate up and help to build strength.
40 minute running and conditioning:
Put on your running shoes and get outside to run.The fresh air will give you a boost, too.
10 minute stretch and stress reliever:
This stretching routine can be added to the end of any workout or done as a stand alone routine to help relieve stress.
Stress and inactivity are two health risk factors that you can make a conscious effort to eliminate from your life. I hope you can find a way to do your own fitness makeover because dedicating some time each day for self improvement may make you a better parent, partner or colleague at work.
Written by Samantha Clayton, AFAA, ISSA. Samantha is Sr. Director of Fitness Education at Herbalife, edited by DIANA ARIZA,PN
