Everyone knows a simple mom outfit is some form of athletic wear – even though there can be a great deal of difficulty when it comes to working as a Mom.
Exercise has always been a huge part of my life. From dance to school sports, to fitness classes at the gym and long walks around the neighborhood, I’ve always turned to physical activity for relief from stress, an endorphin boost, and to stay healthy.
After having children though, I’ve strayed way too far from my normal routines. My current exercise routine is non-existent unless I find myself some time to push the stroller around or do some crunches while playing on the floor with the baby.
I miss exercise. I miss sweating. I miss the elated feeling you have after completing a strenuous workout. I miss Zumba and Body Pump and Flywheel. BUT… I just don’t have the time.
The Difficulty of Working Out as a Mom
People often suggest that I get up earlier or go to bed later to squeeze in a workout, but those people don’t live in my house. My baby doesn’t sleep and my husband isn’t home from sun-up to sun-down. I don’t have the privilege of a gym with a daycare, nor do I have any babysitters. It. sucks.
When you’re a Mom you have to make sacrifices. What I do have is the gift of being able to stay home with my daughters and I wouldn’t trade that for time at the gym.
I find ways to exercise at home with my daughters. It is fun to create ways to increase my blood flow and heart rate with my girls involved. From dance parties in the living room to squats while I’m singing to a sleepless Ailey, I’ve found ways to do something, so I’m not a complete bump on a log.
Some of my favorite outfits to wear when I run errands, drop Annabelle at preschool, or if we are hanging at a casual playdate are always based around athletic wear. It’s comfortable, breathable, and if we have a dance off, I can sweat in it.
My favorite places to shop for athletic wear, or athleisure wear, are Old Navy (outfit above), Target, and Lululemon. I like to go to each store for specific things – Old Navy for tops, Target for tanks, Lululemon is the BEST for bras and pants.
It’s all relative… the difficulty of finding time to work out isn’t that big of a deal when you’re able to stay at home with your kids.
I know that someday I will find the time to incorporate a more formal exercise routine into my life, but for now I’m actually content with the way that things are. My girls are my number one priority and if all I can afford to do is show them the way to “Shake it Off” with Taylor Swift on repeat, then so be it. Whoever said dance isn’t exercise has never seen me bust a move.
Gosh, all those “helpful hints” about when to squeeze in exercise drive me completely nuts. You have two kids, and then try to “squeeze in” anything!
I like taking walks. When I was on maternity leave, I would just push the stroller around the neighborhood for about an hour. I also wear “athleisure” almost all the time when I’m at home with the kids.
love easy outfits like this and this one is SUPER cute on you!
I’m with you 100%!!! I do love Barre3 (they offer childcare during the day for classes… but it gets expensive fast when each child is $5 for childcare alone…), but the vast majority of my physical activity involves the stroller (or Target cart, let’s be real) or dance parties at home!