Parents of young children may find it difficult to make time for exercise. In some cases, they feel guilty when they take time for themselves. In other cases, they feel overwhelmed and that they have no time for anything let alone exercise.
The guilty parent needs to understand that to be a good parent you have to be healthy. When you are taking time for yourself in the form or sleep, exercise, a massage, or a night out with friends, you are becoming a better parent.
The overwhelmed parent is usually trying to do too much, trying to be perfect. Any attempt to become the perfect parent will end in misery. Learning to be good instead of perfect will often relieve some of the pressure a parent feels.
How to find the time?
Make a schedule and stick to it. Recognize that a child’s need for parenting increases as the child ages, not the other way around. You cannot put a 14-year-old down for a nap and a 2-year-old will not call you during your workout to tell you he just broke his leg. So take advantage of their young age and put your workouts on the weekly calendar. They will appreciate the example you set when they are 21 so do not sweat going to the gym or another room for your workout, it is just as important as the many other things you do for them. Do not try to squeeze your workout into an already busy schedule by getting up earlier, running to an appointment, or doing squats while they eat. In order to gain something you have to give something else up. Take something off the calendar before you add something new. Sacrifice and prioritization are important to time management. Manage your time wisely and life need not be so hectic.
What to do with the time?
A structured exercise program written by a trainer, instructor, or coach is the best option. You do not have a great deal of time so use it well. Work with a trainer and have the trainer write out a program for you to follow. Enroll in a program, such as yoga or martial arts classes, where you can set and attain goals and where a support structure will help you stay consistent and overcome obstacles. Avoid DVDs and unstructured workouts, such as taking random classes at the gym or working out on your own without support. Working out on your own is fine, but not without a program. The bottom line is, do not do it alone, seek help. Did you swim in high school or college? Then consider a masters team. Do you like dance? Then consider a dance school or instructor. If you work with a trainer, the trainer will focus on keeping you coming. If you join a group, such as a masters track team, connect with your teammates and coach, and they will make sure you keep coming.
Nothing worthwhile is easy or free, committing to a healthy lifestyle is one of the best things you can do for your children. Children learn very little from what we say. It is through how we act and how we live that they learn about life.