This may come easy to many women, but working out or finding a routine I can stick with has never been something that comes easy. I struggle to stay consistent and find any excuse I can think of to not follow through with a new exercise habit. However, it’s something that I claim is important in my life. So, what gives? I know enough about myself that if it’s something I want to do, I will make the time and make it a priority. However, when it comes to taking care of myself, I fall into the mentality that my family and kids come first.

As my kids get older, there is less requirement for me to structure our days to keep everyone on track; I am no longer sleep deprived, from regressions or middle of the night feeds. This has allowed me, to begin to focus more on me. What does that look like? For me, it involves working out or some sort of physical activity every day. That’s the goal. I don’t always reach it, but everyday is a reset and I have a new opportunity.

The first thing that helped me was changing my mind frame and expectations around what working out means. It could mean going to a gym, going into your garage, going on a walk, body weights, or a combination. A workout could mean 15 minutes some days, 45 minutes on other days. Sometimes the kids are right along side me, sometimes it’s just my husband and me, and sometimes I am alone. I use this time in different ways and am flexible in my expectations.

For a starting point, here are some at home things you can do or even incorporate at a gym if that is your preference. I started with 3 reps of 10 at least 3 days a week, but that can be customized to meet your needs.

1. Squats – you can add weigh for intensity.

2. Lunges

3. Dumbbell shrugs

4. Tricep curls

5. Planks

6. Crunches

– Go for a walk!

Being able to incorporate even a portion of an easy workout in the evening, like a family walk, allows me to spend time with my kids while also allowing me to feel good about taking care of myself. We are all a work in progress – just trying to work it out while working out!