How Can an Inactive Middle-Aged Mom Develop an Exercise Habit?

When the focus of life becomes children, family, career and household obligations, there's little time left over for busy moms to take care of themselves. However, the importance of regular exercise should not be underestimated. According to HelpGuide.org, exercise is one of the easiest ways to improve both mental and physical health. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety, stress and depression, increase your energy levels and improve your mood. Be the best mom you can be by developing an exercise habit.

  1. Multi-Task

    • Whether by nature or necessity, moms are master multi-taskers. You can prepare three different breakfasts while folding the laundry and scheduling doctor's appointments. Put your talents to use by implementing exercise into your daily routines as much as possible. Play active games with your kids like tag and hopscotch, or take them on hikes and bike rides. Turn television time into workout time by performing situps, pushups or light weightlifting while watching your favorite show each day. Work up a sweat while vacuuming or perform walking lunges around the house while tidying up instead of walking.

    Do What You Love

    • Implement exercise into your life gradually by starting with activities that you love. Think about the activities you enjoyed as a teen or young adult and look for opportunities to rekindle those activities in your life by joining an adult league or team in your town. If you like spending time outdoors, find someone to walk or hike with every day. If dancing is your passion, sign up for a class and commit to attending each week. Find a yoga or aerobics class that intrigues you. Engaging in activities that you love makes exercise something to look forward to rather than another task on your to-do list.

    Find a Buddy

    • The American Council on Exercise board member Chris Freytag advises busy moms to seek a support system to keep them on track toward fitness goals. Surrounding yourself with people who have also made fitness a priority helps you stay motivated and accountable. Find a friend who is willing to commit to regular exercise sessions with you, or join a walking group or adult sports league.

    Schedule Exercise Time

    • Carving out time to exercise is a challenge for busy moms, who often prioritize children's activities and family commitments ahead of their own. Make your health a priority by scheduling regular time to exercise as if it was a doctor's appointment you wouldn't want to miss. Get creative when carving out time by considering early morning exercise before your family wakes, after the children are in bed at night or perhaps during your lunch hour at work. Instead of looking at exercise as just another commitment to tend to, view it as a priority to ensure your own health and prosperity.