The first step you need to do is figure out what your activity level is and then figure out what your body can handle.
Unfortunately sometimes we see ourselves from years past and believe we can go do a cross fit routine or kettle bells program with no problems. This is unrealistic and dangerous.
Which level of activity best describes you – sedentary, moderate or high activity?
Evaluate And Increase Your Activity
Sedentary is someone who gets little to no exercise at all. The only time you move your body is to do errands or for your daily living activities.
To increase from sedentary to low intensity try one of these activities today:
- Casual walking
- Stretching
- Tai Chi
- Stability ball exercises
- TRX – total body resistance exercises
Most of these could easily be incorporated into your daily life as a busy mom. Instead of sitting in a chair buy a stability ball and find exercise routines you like.
Do 20 minutes throughout the day broken up into 4 or 5 minute increments.
Moms, who are moderately active – exercise about two and a half hours a week usually to the point they are sweating a little.
Mowing lawns is considered moderate intensity, as well as biking on a flat surface.
Here is a list of some more moderate intensity workouts:
- Yoga
- Walking uphill or walking briskly
- Boxing
- Aqua aerobics
- Dancing – Ballroom, Line or Square
When you are a high intensity exerciser – you break into a sweat within minutes of working out.
If you are also unable to hold a conversation because you are breathing too hard.
Types of high intensity activities include the following:
- Jogging
- Swimming laps
- Hiking
- Karate, Judo, Tae Kwon Do
- Jumping Rope
You should know which one of these levels describe you and which one you want to make a goal to reach. Now you need to decide how you want to increase your activity.
Not everyone needs or wants to run a marathon to become active and healthier.
The key to a successful exercise plan is to find something that you enjoy and that you can fit into your life easily.
If you’ve been sedentary for a while you might want to choose walking. Walking is something most people are able to do very easily. Plus you can take the kids. Start out slow and make it a habit. Before long you’ll be able to walk a mile, then two.
Walking isn’t the only way to start exercising. Pick an activity you can ease into. That way you won’t become sore.
Plus you’ll be able to easily do the activity and you won’t get discouraged. Avoid discouragement at all costs when you first start your routine. This could lead to quitting before it becomes a habit.
