How I plan my workout week

First things first, I'm a 43 year old mom of three boys.  I work full time outside of the home.  We are a very active family, with my husband and I both working out, and all of the boys being involved in various sporting teams.  We are BUSY.  I do however MAKE time to exercise, which isn't always easy, but its doable.  It also wouldn't be fair for me to omit the fact that I have a supportive partner, which I know isn't always the case for all moms.  My husband and I work as a team, and take turns working out, especially in the AM.  I workout roughly 4-5 days a week, with at least two of those days being in the gym. 

So how do I accomplish this?

• We have a schedule.  My early workout sessions in the gym are Monday & Thursday, and my husband takes Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.  He does Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and teaches a class one morning a week.  The other mornings are up for grabs, but it depends on the boys practices/games.
• We also have a pretty decent gym in our basement, and I will also work out at home if need be, or if I'm short on time.
• I get creative.  When my boys were small I used to workout on the playground while they played.  Not every time, but if I needed to get some movement in, I made it happen.
• I'm flexible.  If I'm taking one of the boys to soccer practice, I'll wearing my workout clothes and plan to either walk or run during.  (I see almost all of their games, and feel no guilt not watching them practice).
• I'm protective of my time.  I don't watch tv during the week, or do things that don't serve me.  Its that simple.  We're all guilty of too much time spent scrolling, you can spare 30 minutes to workout.

What I've learned over the years...

My routine and the location for my workouts is constantly changing and evolving.  I have learned to be FLEXIBLE and I honestly think this is the key to my consistency.  If I have to pivot and change my workouts up for a week, I roll with it and do what I can.  When I first started working out (when my oldest was a newborn, 12 years ago), I would workout in our living room while he napped.  I had some 5lb weights and a mat and that was all I needed.  When baby boy number 2 arrived less than two years later, I was working out with them both in our basement (same equipment), or when they were big enough I would push them both in a double stroller and walk/run for 30ish minutes on Grants Trail.  Here's a look at what my workouts look like currently:

I have learned to rid myself of the mom guilt over the years, and I have no problem taking the time for myself to keep my body strong.  I know that I'll be more patient, present and happier if I get my workout in.  My kids know this too!  If you're struggling to figure out how to fit your workouts in, please reach out!  I would be happy to help you devise a plan.

Emily xx