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Being a single mother is a highly challenging role for a woman. Caring for your family while maintaining fitness often feels like a balancing act that is almost certain to fail.
If you’re struggling to stay healthy and fit, here are nine valuable tips that might help.
Define your goals
Establishing realistic goals before starting this fitness journey can help keep you motivated, especially on challenging days. Begin with small, specific, and feasible goals to prevent yourself from getting overwhelmed. Make your objectives measurable to help you track your progress and make the necessary adjustments.
Find an accountability buddy who will not only remind you of your goals, but also make you accountable for your actions, cheer you on hard days, provide appropriate support, and give you healthy feedback.
Start your day early
Time is precious and often limited for single mothers. Starting the day early, before your kids, can significantly impact your health and wellness journey. Instead of walking up at the same time as your little ones, dedicate at least an hour or two for yourself. These few hours will allow you to exercise for 30 minutes or more and efficiently accomplish your daily morning tasks. Avoid procrastinating and make exercising work for you and not vice versa.
Incorporate fitness into your schedule
Another effective way to stay fit and healthy is to make fitness a part of your everyday routine. Daily chores, even mundane ones, offer a chance to work out. For instance, instead of driving to the nearest supermarket for a quick grocery run, consider walking to help you get your daily steps in. Picking up toys or cleaning the house can serve as mini squats sessions. Remember, you don’t need to enroll in a fancy gym to stay fit; you just need to be creative with your approach.
Choose your workouts wisely
Since every minute counts as a single mom, choose the workout exercises that you enjoy and suit your lifestyle. Doing workouts you’re highly interested in can help keep you motivated and consistent. For instance, if you love to swim, bring your kids to the community pool and do laps together. If you get energized by running, take your dog for a nightly run around the neighborhood. The more engaged you are with your chosen physical activities, the higher your chances of sticking with them.
Practice mindful eating
Eating healthy is just as important as exercising. Your body needs proper nutrition to perform at its best. Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of whole grains, vegetables, lean protein, and fruits. Eating healthily also lets your kids eat more nutritious food since you’re preparing their meals. Prepare your meals in advance and get your kids involved with the preparation and cooking. As much as possible, avoid processed food, those with high sugar or salt content, and greasy snacks.
Find your support village
Since you have no partner to rely on, it is important to find individuals who can help you with your fitness journey. Your support network can consist of relatives, trusted friends, other single parents, and even virtual acquaintances. They can provide you with tips, assistance, encouragement, and much-needed rest.
You can also find guidance from fitness professionals who can make your journey more productive and meaningful. Choose a certified and trusted provider of personal trainers, such as Pledge To Fitness, as they can give you tailored fitness solutions that suit your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Get your children involved
If you don’t have a supportive community or anyone you can entrust your kids with, find workout routines in which you can include your children. Physical activities such as running, biking, and swimming are excellent cardio exercises for you and your little ones. Your kids will surely enjoy and appreciate this quality time with you while providing them with ways to burn their pent-up energy. Getting your little ones involved can also encourage them to become fit and healthy themselves once they become adults.
Invest in fitness technology
Over the years, technology has proven to be an invaluable tool for making people’s daily lives more enjoyable and easier. It has also disrupted the fitness industry with tools such as wearable trackers, virtual reality exercises, smart home equipment, smart clothing, fitness apps, and other related fitness devices that can help you efficiently achieve your fitness goals. Instead of following trends, choose a fitness tool that suits your lifestyle as a single parent.
Remain consistent
With all your responsibilities, it is relatively easy to put off exercise and make it the least of your concerns. Remember that consistency is integral to reaching your fitness objectives as a single mom. Even on days you want to trade your running shoes for an extra hour of sleep, make yourself a priority and not an option. Instead of focusing on transforming yourself overnight, concentrate on making consistent efforts and building sustainable fitness habits.
Endnote
Starting a fitness journey can be challenging for single parents. With the above tips, a strong support system, and determination, you can achieve fitness success and be a role model to your little ones.