Physical activities for mothers is important, but most moms don’t have time for it. Here are some you can try that are easy and not time-consuming.
by Troop Atomic Mommy
This post contains affiliate links. To learn more about affiliate links and how they work, please read our Affiliate Disclaimer HERE.
Motherhood is a demanding job. Not only do mothers have to take care of their children, but they often have to take on the role of primary caregiver for their parents and other relatives as well. This can be extremely exhausting, both mentally and physically.
Because of this, mothers often forget to take time for their own needs, including their physical fitness. But the importance of exercise for mothers cannot be understated. Exercise has been shown to improve mental health, increase energy levels, and help with weight management. In addition, exercise can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type II diabetes.
So with all of these benefits in mind, let’s discuss the importance of exercise for mothers and provide a few examples of exercises that they can do!
For mothers struggling to find the time to exercise, there are a few exercises that are easy enough to do at home, and can be done with minimal amount of time and equipment. Here are a few quick and easy exercises to do.
Walking
Walking is considered one of the best physical activities for mothers. You can do it anywhere, anytime, and it’s easy on the joints. A recent study found that mothers who walked for just 30 minutes a day had lower levels of stress and anxiety and felt more capable of handling the demands of motherhood. Walking has many benefits, including weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, and increased muscle strength. It’s also been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
If you’re short on time during your busy day, you can still walk. If 30 minutes is too long, take short walks more frequently throughout the day. Step outside for a quick 10-minute aerobic walk in the morning, again during your lunch break, and one more time after dinner. This will give you 30 minutes of daily walk time. Plus, turning your walks into aerobic style will help you generate more benefits. So put on your walking shoes and get out there! Your mind and body will thank you.
Yoga
Yoga is a great way to stretch and strengthen the body, and it can be done in the comfort of your own home. There are many different types of yoga, so you can find one that suits your needs and level of fitness. In addition, yoga has improved flexibility, reduced stress and anxiety, and promoted relaxation. Yoga can also help you build long and lean muscles while also assist you in burning off fat.
Some types of yoga have become extremely trendy among mothers. Hot yoga is one of them and it is a type of yoga that is done in a heated room. The heat helps to loosen the muscles and allows for a deeper stretch. Hot yoga has many benefits, including improved flexibility, increased muscle strength, and reduced stress levels.
If you are interested, HOTWORX is a franchise that offers hot yoga and other HOT fitness classes that can be done in a sauna-like environment. In case you’re not keen on doing anything in a heated room, there are many other great yoga classes to take that will still give you amazing benefits. If you still want the aerobic burn, you can try classes like Rage Yoga and Buti Vinyasa. If you prefer a more calm experience with yoga, Ashtanga yoga is the way to go. Whichever class you choose, you’ll be able to experience the benefits of a healthier you. So grab your mat and water, because you’ll be addicted to yoga once you start.
Swimming
Swimming is a great way to get some exercise without putting any stress on the joints. For many who suffer from chronic pain or injury, it’s considered one of the best physical activities to engage in. Swimming has many benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle strength, and weight loss. In addition, swimming is a low-impact activity, which means it is easy on the joints and can be done by people of all ages and fitness levels.
If you have a pool, make use of it by swimming at least 3-4 times per week. Depending on the weather in your area, you could have the ability to swim all year round or only in the summer months. In the case where the weather is not great for outdoor swimming, or you don’t have a pool, you can try visiting a gym, your local YMCA, or even a Boys and Girls club for the chance to swim. Some may even offer swim fitness classes.
The Takeaway
There are many physical activities for mothers out there, and each one will support a positive well-being as well as being great for health. The important thing is to find an exercise that you enjoy and that fits into your schedule.
Remember, exercise doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Just a few minutes of physical activity daily can make a big difference in your health!