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5 Tips for Busy Moms to Squeeze in Exercise

Education, Workout TipsWhitney CarlsonComment

Whether you are chasing a toddler around your house, shuffling your school-aged children from school to after-school activities and sports practices and games, or taking care of your grandchildren, the roles every mother plays at any given time leave little to no time for themselves.

This is a guest post written by Tiffany.

I'll be the first to tell you that between chasing my little one around (now 15 months), working 4-6 hours every day from home, keeping my house somewhat organized and clean, and maintaining my relationship with Jim, it's hard! However, I do make time for fitness and I'm here to tell you - it's possible!

Check out these additional mom resources, also written by Tiffany!

Top 5 Tips for Busy Moms to Squeeze in Exercise

1. Take a deep breath and smile, you are not Superwoman.

Yep, that's right. You need to breathe. And smile. When you start to get overwhelmed and aren't sure how you are going to get anything done, let alone actually workout and spend some time on yourself, take a deep breath and smile. You will figure it out sooner and more efficiently if you are calm and less worked up.

2. Schedule your workout and fitness time and get into a routine.

Even if your schedule changes day to day, sit down for 2-3 minutes in the morning (maybe while your children are eating breakfast) and schedule your day. If you have an idea of what your day really "looks like" on paper, it's easier to find opportunities for fitting in some "you" time. We have a lot of free at-home fitness resources to choose (try this at-home full body workout or quick heart pounding interval workout). We even offer a Busy Body 4-Week Workout Plan!

RELATED: 5 Reasons Why You Need a Fitness Plan

3. Utilize breaks in your schedule to your advantage.

I was once told by a mom that she ran while her daughter was at gymnastics practice. I've held on to that because I've been there - I've taken my niece to ballet class only to sit there and watch through the miniature window. Why?!? They weren't doing anything overly special that day and it wasn't like I could see much anyway. Who needs to sit when you could go outside for 30-45 minutes and get your workout on?

4. Get help if it's available.

Before I had Bryce, I would workout with one of my friends that has two children. We would purposely drive to a facility 30 minutes away to workout so she could drop her children off with her mom for an hour and a half while we worked out. Some days, her and her neighbor would swap off watching the children. If you have this option - use it! If your gym has a daycare facility (like mine), you really eliminate some excuses.

5. Leave the "Mommy-Guilt" behind.

Don't let the "Mommy-Guilt" get you! This one might be the hardest for me, especially if I feel like Bryce hasn't gotten "enough" attention from me for the day, but it's important that you take care of you. After all, if you don't feel good, you won't be able to give your best to your little ones. Check that guilt at the door and go get your sweat on!

What's your best tip for the busy mom that still wants her time to exercise and keep fitness a priority in their life?

Good luck ladies! You can do this!

Tiffany

7 Ways to Occupy Children During Long(er) Runs

Runners ResourcesWhitney CarlsonComment

Running with your jogging stroller and your 6-month-old baby might have seemed rather easy, comparatively. As they get a little older; however, it might get harder since they have "opinions" as to whether or not they want to go and for how long they are willing to sit. Beating boredom for your little ones while you pound the pavement during a longer run can be challenging. Here are some of our ideas for helping both of you (or more than two of you) power through your runs.

This is a guest post written by Tiffany.

Check out these additional mom resources, also written by Tiffany!

How to Occupy Children During Long(er) Runs

1. Set the stage. If you typically run first thing in the morning, this might be a little harder, but creating excitement about the run is key! Start the night before or the morning of, talking up your run. Get excited about the upcoming run and tell them how much you are going to enjoy it and how much they will too - multiple times. Pretend like your runs are just as exciting as going to Disney!

2. Be consistent. Don't just run every once in a while. Make it a habit and part of your routine. When kids know what to expect and think that it's just something they do as a part of their day (or their week), they will be less likely to fight you. After all, you won't be taking away from something they would normally be doing in that time span.

3. Bring snacks and drinks. We don't allow Bryce to snack between meal times, but this has worked for our friends and of course, we do bring water and milk along for Bryce to drink on our runs. If your child tends to get hungry, bring along easy snack foods, like raisins or carrot sticks that they can munch on safely while you run. Be sure to monitor their progress while you run though to ensure that they haven't had a mishap with their snack when you hit a bump or a sharp turn.

4. Have "stroller-only" toys. When your child is smaller, this is a little easier to do. A favorite toy tethered (but still safe) to your jogging stroller that is only for use when the jogging stroller is in motion is a great incentive to get your little one to sit still in a jogging stroller. If you haven't purchased a jogging stroller yet, make sure to get one that has a compartment on the back (not on the bottom) so that you can store additional toys. Be sure to let your child know these toys are specifically for the stroller!

4. Play games or sing songs. Try "I Spy" or sing silly songs with your child. It might slow you down a little, but they will still feel like they are getting attention from Mom or Dad and you definitely be making some memories. Just don't forget to breathe!

5. Run to the park. Your playtime is your run, but for your little one, it's not as stimulating or fun as a whirl down the slide at the playground. Although the park might be 1 mile from your home, create a route that takes a little more time and longer distance on your way to the park. You might run 4 miles there, but a brisk, one-mile walk or jog back won't be so bad after your child plays their heart out on the playground.

6. Run during nap time. This might work a little easier for your longer runs and if your child is taking one nap, but a run that is over an hour during nap time might be exactly what you need to get them to sleep! You get your run in and they get some quality sleep in the stroller. NOTE: This is definitely dependent upon the child. Bryce will sleep in the stroller, but he doesn't seem as rested as he does when he gets the crib nap. It's up to you and your little one!

7. Finally, number 7, If all else fails... bribe them! Yes, we said it! Bribing isn't always bad - teach them a little give and take. If they give an hour of their time to let you take them on a run, they can take a trip to a park that is further away, a splash pad or something else they are going to enjoy. Of course, we recommend not bribing with food or candy, but we will leave that up to you!

Need a little extra help with incorporating strength training with your runs? Don't want to think about your workouts? Let us be your personal trainers with our She Sweats 12-week Run Builder and decrease your mile time. It guides your workout each day and has everything you need! Find out more!

7 Tips for Choosing the Right Jogging Stroller

Runners Resources, Workout TipsWhitney CarlsonComment

We don't do very many posts dealing with babies and toddlers, but since I have a baby, I wanted to share with you some tips to find the right jogging stroller for you. I read TONS of articles and reviews, as well as, "test drove" several before making my final decision. After all, if you are like me, you will use your jogging stroller at least 3-4 times per week for cardio and maybe even for the occasional jaunt at a local festival or fair.

This is a guest post written by Tiffany.

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Check out these additional mom resources, also written by Tiffany!

7 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Jogging Stroller

1. Determine Your Strollers Function - What will you be using the stroller for? Is it strictly for running or will you need something to attach to your bike or even cross-country ski with?

If the stroller is strictly for running, proceed with a jogging stroller like the BOB Revolution or the Baby Jogger FIT.
If you need your stroller to function in multiple ways, perhaps a jogger/bike trailer is more appropriate for you. Consider brands like the Allen Sports Premiere or the Aosom Elite.

2. Fixed Wheel vs. Swivel Wheel -  This is your number one concern when determining which stroller you will buy. NEVER run with a stroller that does not have a fixed wheel or a mechanism so that the wheel can be locked in the fixed position. This is VERY dangerous and could harm your child. Strollers with swivel wheels are made for walking and strolling.

3. Frequency of Use - How often you will use your jogging stroller really will determine the quality you will need to purchase (and most likely, the money you will spend on the jogger). If you are a marathon runner and plan to take your child on long-distance jogs, you will need a more durable stroller designed specifically for this purpose. Strollers like the Mountain Buggy Terrain may be more appropriate for you. On the flip side, if you are planning to use your stroller on days that you can't get to the gym to do your cardio, you can go with a more fitness oriented model, such as the Kolcraft Sprint Pro Jogging Stroller.

4. Storage Space - If you are tight on space in your home or plan to transport the stroller in a smaller vehicle, you will want to ensure your stroller folds down. If it doesn't, you will need to find a place to keep it fully assembled in your home and have a vehicle such as an SUV to transport the stroller.

5. Handlebar Height - Since I am short (5'2''), I really pay attention to this one! My husband is on the taller side (6'2''), so if he and I are both using the stroller, we either have to find a comfortable height for both of us or find a stroller with an adjustable handle.

6. Child Positioning - This is something you really can't afford NOT to look at! First off, think about your child. Do they like to take naps in the car or stroller? Will jogging be any different? Do they need a cup holder or a belly bar to hold on to so they can comfortably look out the stroller? Finding a stroller that offers a range of positions from upright to reclining may be your best bet. If you plan to use the stroller to walk prior to your child's 6 month birthday, I suggest looking for a system that also allows you to clip an infant seat into the stroller. Just remember: You shouldn't jog with an infant seat attached!

7. Brake vs. No Brake - Do you like in a hilly area like me? Your stroller should have a tether strap that you will wear, but if somewhere along your normal route, you encounter lots of downhills, I would suggest a brake. Momentum can be fierce, especially when you are pushing 50+ pounds of jogging stroller and child!

REMEMBER: Most pediatricians, as well as jogging stroller manufacturers, recommend that you do NOT jog with your child until 6 months of age.

Review of Baby Jogger FIT

The Baby Jogger FIT.

(Update: 2/2/18) Here is a link to the newer version.

From the moment I received the stroller, I knew I was going to like it! It was very easy to put together - no help from the hubby required! The best part - I could use it right away. I didn't have to go to a bike shop to have the front wheel inflated. 

To test it out, Bryce and I went on a short run - a 2.5-mile jaunt in the nature preserve in our neighborhood! I have to admit, I have a snazzy Britax stroller system for everyday use and was a little anxious to try the fixed wheel of the jogger. I had visions of not being able to turn and potentially tipping Bryce over in the stroller. NOT the case at all! The fixed wheel of the Baby Jogger FIT seems to have a little give in it. I did have to rear back on the handlebar to turn, but much less than I expected! Speaking of the handlebar, it doesn't adjust but it is comfortable for myself and also for my husband. 

At 7 months and 20lbs, Bryce seemed comfortable in the stroller and has tons of room to grow. The stroller adapts to a reclining position and has a nice angle for its upright position.  The sunshade is adjustable and quite substantial. It did wonders for keeping the wind off of his face since we did a later afternoon run. The stroller seemed to effortlessly glide along our jogging path, with little disturbance at a bump or crack in the path. It was challenging pushing it up our monstrous hills in the neighborhood but nothing I couldn't handle. The brake was a MUST for the downhills of the same size - it provided some much needed reassurance that I wouldn't lose control.

Do you have a jogging stroller? If so, which did you choose and why? What types of activities do you do with your stroller?