How to Stay Motivated to Workout

This post was made possible in collaboration with Footlocker and Reebok. #sponsored

I am featuring Footlocker’s Reebok Classic Leather ATI’s 90’s style sneakers. 

Photographer: Francis Panes

Summer is right around the corner, Ladies! When you place importance on your health, you are making your family’s health a priority and setting the example for you and your kids. 

You know that saying, when Mom’s happy, everyone’s happy?  Well, the same thing may very well apply to health and fitness. I am sharing some healthy habits that keep me motivated to work out as a busy mom of two. Saying “NO to excuses:”  is crucial!

Staying active for me comes naturally, and to be honest I crave exercise. But I don’t always have the energy after a long day of work, or time on our busy weekends to work out. After hurting my back a couple of months ago, that had me in the ER, I was unable to do my gym classes 2-3 times a week like I used to. The doctor recommended light yoga and slow stretches to start with.  So after a month of rest, I did just that. Restorative yoga once a week was all my body could take. I made no excuses for my strained back muscle, and pushed myself to where my body and schedule could go.

I’m sharing this story because we are all human, and imperfect, and staying focused is very hard. I’ve suffered from previous neck, back, and knee injuries before and realized that our bodies also need rest. Finding balance in key!

1. Stay Flexible

I’m not talking about yoga flexibility. I’m talking about mental flexibility. Be ready to work out, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE!

Tummy time planks, singing to Disney songs while doing squats, chair dips while cooking dinner, or even a simple 10 minute stretch while the kids are finally in bed. Lately Brynn and I have been using my unfinished office as the yoga/dance room. I have been doing squats, leg workouts, and arm work to yes, Disney songs! I don’t mind it one bit. Brynn’s busy dancing and having fun, while I am getting my workout in.

 

2. Always be Aware

Being aware of what you put into your body is just as important as exercising. This starts from the moment you go grocery shopping to the moment you are out eating out on the weekend. Fresh fruits and veggies along with lean proteins is ideal, but again, it doesn’t always happen in our household. But we do try to teach Bryce and Brynn the value of a well-balanced meal and the importance to eat healthy-ish.

3. Work out Together as a Family

(or with your Significant Other or friend- this makes it twice the FUN!)

• Bike together
• Dance together
• Go for a walk after dinner
• Have swimming races
• Play basketball against each other
• Simply work out in front of your kids
• Play soccer in the backyard
• Go to the park

This list is endless, but the point is, stay active. And make it fun whether it is together or not.

4. Plan Ahead

Moms are busy but with a little commitment and some flexible consistency, you have a plan for success. 

• Meal Plan on the weekend
• Plan by buying cute outfits that will keep you motivated to work out! (I’m not kidding about this one! It works!)
• Plan ahead with nights the kids have a sport (it’s a perfect excuse to do your Chick-Fil-A that day.)
• Schedule the days ahead of time with whoever watches your kids to sneak out for a work out class (even if it’s 1 day a week.)
• Plan for things to NOT go as PLANNED and that’s OK too!

5. STAY POSITIVE 

Some exercise and some healthy eating is better than none at all right? Positive self-talk for you and your family is super important! Because after all,

You are the role-model! 

“I am STRONG!”

“I GOT THIS!”

If you are looking to get back into the swing of things, it’s never too late and you’re never too old to start. Start small by focusing on one habit and the rest will follow! Hope these habits have inspired you in some way, shape, or form. 

Love you guys! Thank you so much for reading!

SALUDOS y BESITOS!