Why moms should not neglect exercise

One of the new year resolutions I’ve set out for myself was to get serious on being healthy and getting more exercise. It may sound simple enough, but for us moms it may sound like a far out ambition, especially the working out part.

As a mom who has to juggle with work and family, the cooking and cleaning, trying to find the time to exercise sounds like what only fitness fanatics do. After all, when you’re finally done with a day’s work, the washing of dishes, folding of laundry, reading bedtime stories and putting the little one to sleep, all you want to do is plop on the bed and sleep.

But as a working mother, I have to remember to put my health first. Otherwise, how else can I keep up with the demands at work and at home and take care of all my obligations?

I’ll be the first to admit that in the past 3 months, it has been challenging to find time to exercise. My goal was 3 times a week. And like all hopefuls who have inked their new year’s resolutions, I was keeping at it faithfully initially. Now, it has reduced to 2 times a week and I’m not allowing any more excuses to derail my commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

So how do I find time to exercise? I tell myself, it’s all worth it, grab my earphones, put on my shoes, and just get out of the house.

While I may have to sacrifice my sleep by dragging myself out of bed at 6:30am in the morning or exercising after I’ve put Sophie to sleept, What I’ve reaped from my workouts is more strength and energy and clarity in my mind. Oh plus, a whole new attitude towards being healthy.

If getting fit was one of your new year’s resolutions and you need some motivation then why not try out some of these ideas:

  • Take up a new sport – For me, it was stairs climbing to take on the vertical marathon this year.
  • Go for a family walk or a run. What better motivation when you know you’re being a positive influence to your family?
  • Join the gym. When you’ve paid good money, boy do you want that to go a long way instead of seeing it go down the drain.
  • Find an exercise buddy. Since I’ve made a commitment, then why not make me your exercise buddy by giving you reminders. In fact, I could do with more reminders myself 🙂
  • Exercise at home while watching a workout video tape. I started on the Insanity work out which is pure insanity but totally satisfying.

It’s never to late to get started on a healthier lifestyle. I’ve also found that having time to exercise is also my me time as it allows me to just concentrate on myself. So don’t feel guilty and start today! Your family will love the new you 🙂

Let me know if you’re setting any exercise goals and I’ll like to encourage you as you start on your fitness journey. Make it count!

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  1. Rachel March 22, 2012 at 9:04 pm Reply

    Yes! This is a great reminder for me to start exercising! Thanks for sharing the tips, maybe a new sport will help to keep the motivation started.

    • Susan March 22, 2012 at 9:10 pm Reply

      All the best on your new sport! Perhaps a new sport with Kyle? How’s his golf lesson?

  2. San Gabe Alex March 22, 2012 at 9:10 pm Reply

    I try to squeeze in gym during lunch…..

  3. Susan Koh March 22, 2012 at 9:31 pm Reply

    Hehe like your new Chirpy Bird identity 🙂 I used to hate it too. Especially when I had to do NAFA test.

  4. Susan Koh March 22, 2012 at 9:32 pm Reply

    San Gabe Alex: The one at California near office? I’m contemplating doing yoga as a new exercise 🙂

  5. San Gabe Alex March 22, 2012 at 9:58 pm Reply

    Fitness First at Paragon

  6. Dominique@Dominique's Desk March 23, 2012 at 7:53 am Reply

    I too need to get more exercise into my daily routine. Have been trying to do WII sports active daily but has been difficult if we go out or when the baby refuses to nap in the afternoon.

  7. Nicki March 23, 2012 at 10:23 am Reply

    I make use of my lunchtimes as well.

    Also, try googling fit yummy mummy or look for her on Facebook. She advocates working out for only 15 minutes either on strength training or cardio intervals. She has a lot of exercises that you can do with no or very little specialised equipment at home. She even has some you can do using a swing in the park!

  8. Summer March 25, 2012 at 2:49 am Reply

    Hihi, new look on your blog, nice! I love a family sports day and we try to do it on weekends, either swimming or badminton. =) It’s always so sweet to see my girl running around holding her floorball stick and chasing after that ball. =) Love some of your ideas though, keep the fitness going!

  9. Lisa March 27, 2012 at 4:41 am Reply

    I can hardly make it to the gym once a week. BOO! You are an encouragement!

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