Exercise motivation for 2019!

Looking for some exercise motivation for 2019? Look no farther!  Like many of you, I know how CRAZY & hectic life can be!  But, I’m here to offer some ideas of what has worked for me.  I am a busy mom of two young children, who, on most days keep me running after their needs or the chores of the home.  BUT, there is still time for exercise in the midst!  Also, of course, I would not trade my kids for anything in the world!  We have a BLAST together and I am SO blessed to have them in my life!  I just made the previous statement to show that I understand what other moms go through.  And besides, it is so important for us moms to have time for ourselves, too!  After all, when we can’t be there for our family because we are rundown, stressed-out and/or fatigued (usually resulting in sickness); then our immediate family members usually feel the ramifications of it.  (WAIT!  Before you click away, I want you all without kids to know that I will discuss exercise motivation for you all as well-in this post).

Now, as for exercising with kids in the picture, there are a few options that have worked well for me.  If your kids are very young, and still take 1-2 naps daily, you could exercise while they are sleeping.  If there is an older and younger sibling, you could exercise while the younger sleeps and while the elder does a quiet activity.  You could also exercise WITH your kids.  I have found that this is a HUGE plus in the time-efficiency department!  For example, my kids are young enough that they still need a watchful eye on them.  As a result, we have been known to play a pickup game of frisbee, soccer, etc.  You can even do biking, hiking, or running with your kids.  It makes exercise even more enjoyable and instills in them at an early age a mindset of healthy living.  Studies have shown that what children learn at an early age sticks with them as they grow into young adult members of society.  “Train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”-Proverbs 22:6.  This Bible verse specifically refers to parents, mentors, et. al teaching their children the way that God would have them to live.  But, I believe that God also calls His children to live healthy lives because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.  

Now, let’s talk about other methods of exercise, including tips for those without kids.  I work outside of the home as well, so I understand how difficult it can be to fit exercise time into the workday schedule sometimes.  It can be done before or after the workday.  A personal example would be from a prior job that I had, to which I lived a lot closer.  On most days, I could be seen biking or skating to the bus stop.  Sometimes, this would amount to more exercise than anticipated.  Those were days when I would inadvertently miss the bus and have to bike all the way home!  Exercise can be done during the lunch break, too.  A lot of companies have gyms on premises now.  But, a quick outdoor walk with a friend could be another possibility.  Learn your exercise accountability needs as well.  This would be whether you are one that does better exercising alone or if you do better with a friend or in a group setting.    

Finally, exercise with or without kids, can even be done in short segments of 10 minutes each, 2-3x daily.  Research has shown that the total daily exercise time of 20-30 minutes, is still beneficial.  Don’t think that if it is hard to get a continuous 20-30 minute session, then it’s not worth it.  It is definitely better than the alternative of no exercise at all!  Also, chances are, that by getting the 20-30 minute session segmentally for while; that in time, it will be more easy to schedule a continuous 20-30 minute session daily.  Feel free to comment below or send me a private message with any feedback or questions on this topic and what does and doesn’t work for you and why.  I love to hear from my visitors!  The best of health to you in 2019 & God Bless!