When you were in school, did you come up with reasons to get out of doing the mile in gym class because you hated running with a passion? That was me! Or, maybe you were the star of your high school sports team, and you have since let your athletic dreams fade into the distance with adulthood.

Fast forward to motherhood – you know that it’s healthier for you to become active for the sake of keeping up with your kids, no matter what your fitness background is. Plus, staying active helps boost your energy and confidence, and helps you burn off those post-baby pounds.

Starting a fitness routine can help you set a healthy example and start positive habits for your family. Before you stop me and say, “I just don’t have the time,” hear me out. Fitting exercise into your busy mom schedule is something anyone can do.

Everyone starts somewhere

When I came to fitness over 10 years ago, I honestly just wanted to get a short workout in, so I could lose the baby weight. I just wanted some “me” time during the day too.

I’ve gone through different seasons of life while making fitness a priority. I’ve been the working mom, stay at home mom, mom of 2, 3, 4 kids, and added in all the kid activities. Despite how hectic your schedule can be, you can fit exercise in when you find a balance!

I’ve gone from hating exercise (and despising that mile in gym) to loving my workouts. I actually went on to become a certified group fitness instructor, endurance runner, and Ironman triathlete. Working out recharges my mommy battery, and I’m a better mom and wife because of it.

Here are my 5 tips that can help you start a fitness routine:

1. Find a place to work out that offers exactly what you need.

There are so many choices for gyms in the Omaha area that you’re likely to find the perfect fit for you and your family. Things to consider are location, cost, amenities and schedules. For us, our key needs were value, child care, and a pool. 

But I don’t want to spend money on a gym.

You don’t have to! There are many programs – and even FREE YouTube videos – that you can do in the comfort of your home. Many of them don’t even require equipment! Take advantage of naptime and get in a quick 10-30 minute video. Better yet, get that workout in before your family even wakes up and you’ll be set for the day!

2. Start small and forget the all or nothing attitude.

If you haven’t run since high school, don’t go all out looking for a personal record your first day out. Go for a short stroll around your neighborhood first. Then, add short bouts of running into it and increase your distance and speed over time.

If you are starting a routine at home, just dip your toe into a program. Do 10 minutes of a video your first day. Then 15 minutes the next. Keep adding up until you can do all of it.

The key is making your fitness routine pleasant and attainable so you actually want to keep doing it!

3. Try a class!

Group fitness classes gave me a taste of different workouts and exercises I never would have done on my own. Classes make an hour go by much faster, and take the guesswork out of a routine.

Big plus for me: I was more likely to complete a full hour of a class because I didn’t want to draw attention to myself by leaving when I was tired. Once I was there, I didn’t want to leave!

4. Find an accountability partner.

If you have a friend who wants to start exercising, begin your journey together. Agree on a class you want to try, a video you want to preview, or a running route you’ve found.

If I tell my friend I’m meeting her at 5:30 a.m. for a run or a class, I’m NOT going to skip my workout that day. Who wants to be that friend who leaves her buddy high and dry on a running trail in the wee hours of the morning? Plus, I enjoy running with someone. It’s time to chat and catch up on life while working on your fitness.

5. Put it on your calendar!

With four kids and a husband, I have so many tasks through my day that can easily become excuses to my fitness routine. When I worked outside of the home, scheduling my workout was the only way I knew I’d get it in!

Now that I have a new baby again, I have to reserve a spot for him in the gym nursery for my workouts. Or, I have to make sure Hubby is home to hold down the fort while I run or bike. Planning ahead is one way I know I’ll get it done.

These are just a few of the tips that helped me succeed in establishing a fitness routine. I hope these ideas inspire you to become the healthiest mom you can be!