Being fit as a mom can make your life a lot easier. Whether you need the energy to chase them around when you play together, or you need the strength to pick them up, being fit can certainly help. Setting realistic goals for your fitness is important, so you can actually reach those goals, instead of failing and becoming disheartened. Here’s how to do it.

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Get Realistic

You have to be honest with yourself abouts your ambitions and your limitations, especially when you’re settling your goals for yourself. If you set goals that are too hard or too expensive, success will be much harder to reach, and you won’t get the results that you want. This will make you feel discouraged and make you more likely to give up. Give your fitness goals some serious thought and create a vision for yourself of what you want to accomplish. If you can start with a clear visions, you can break down your goals into smaller steps. For example, if your goal is a six-pack, start by working on your core strength. See the full explanation of why here. 

Break It Down

Just saying that you want to be fit is fine, but breaking down your goals into smaller, more manageable chunks will help you get where you want. Picture what you want in detail, and write in down. Then break this down into goals. Three month goals and weekly goals are usually best. When you write your goals down use affirmative language and create goals that are specific, measurable, action-based, realistic and have a timeline. With your plan ready, put it somewhere you can see it every day, like on the fridge. Starting out with the right attitude will make it much easier to feel positive. 

Eat Right

It might seem obvious, but many people get into the mindset that because they’re exercising on a regular basis, they can eat whatever they want. You might also think that being committed to a workout routine means that you can never enjoy a treat again. Neither approach is the right one. Stick to healthy eating guidelines most of the time, and allow yourself a treat sometimes. Portion control and mindful eating are effective tools for most people to maintain a healthy diet. Allow for some planned splurges, such as having a piece of your favorite chocolate occasionally, guilt-free. 

Embrace Multi-Tasking

If you feel as though you aren’t going to be able to fit in any type of fitness routine, because your life is already too busy, you’re not alone. A lot of Moms feel pressed for time, between the school run, food shopping, cleaning the house, work, walking the dog on, and so on. You can actually take inspiration from your busy lifestyle to fit in your exercise. For example, you could look out for classes and events that allow Moms to exercise with their kids with them, such as meet-ups to run or walk with a stroller. If you’re taking the dog out, make sure to find time for a brisk walk yourself. Walking can be achieved alongside another task, which helps, and it can also be meditative. Walking can be as good for your mind as it is for your body. 

Work With A Trainer

You’ve got to know yourself and set some realistic goals, but you don’t know how to go about achieving them. Starting to work with a trainer on your fitness goals is a great way to learn some tips and tricks to get and stay fit and having those meetings scheduled into your diary, with someone who acts as your personal cheerleader can make it a lot easier to stick to your new exercise routine. Feedback from a personal trainer is useful not just for your motivation, but will also help you to learn proper techniques and the correct form so you can work out safely and efficiently. If you aren’t sure where to find a good personal trainer, ask around for some recommendations or check your local gym. 

Go Slow

Common sense tells you that you shouldn’t just throw yourself into an exercise routine. However, when you’re enthusiastic, you can actually end up feeling discouraged if you don’t take a more measured approach to your new goals. Starting an exercise routine is a bit like learning to swim. Don’t start out by diving in head first into the deep end, or you risk getting out of your depth. An exercise routine that you start should be built up gradually to avoid burnout or getting injured.