When you are a mom, the statement, “There aren’t enough hours in the day” has never been more true. Naturally we are amazing multitaskers but I guarantee there is one or more things that has to “take the hit” for most of us. For a long time for me it was my physical health and nutrition.
Women in general want to lose weight, be healthy, be fit. Be the best version of themselves. Motherhood brings a whole other slew of obstacles to your physical health. The pesky “mom pooch” or the “baby weight” that never seems to want to go easily or the ever-present challenges of balancing work, meals, quality time, nap schedules, groceries, cleaning, LAUNDRY (my least favorite chore, ugggghhh) and god-willing free time.
How is a girl supposed to easily add a fitness regimen and meal prep to that equation? And to be honest, when it comes to the point where somethings gotta give … many moms typically sacrifice their personal needs to benefit the family (totally guilty of this). But does it really?
Your family needs you to be your best YOU! They need you to be strong, healthy and confident.
I recently decided no more. NO MORE EXCUSES. The laundry can wait. I can adjust my work schedule to fit in the workout. My child can have a few extra minutes of screen time while I finish my workout. I can miss that zoo outing to ensure I stick to my regimen. I can still enjoy time with friends and stick to my meal plan. I can still go to my favorite restaurant and make better choices. I can ask my family and friends to support my healthy lifestyle decisions. I can show my family just how strong and focused I can be on my physical health and nutrition. I can take advantage of my child’s nap schedule or lunch break at work.
Okay great! No more excuses, but half the battle is finding a plan that works for you and your body. What is financially practical? What exactly should I be eating and when? How much physically do I need to be doing? Should I go on a diet (I despise that word)?
What is awesome is that there are so many affordable and even free options out there that you can incorporate into your daily lifestyle. I recently discovered some really great information that led myself and many of my mom friends to be in the best shape of our lives. The best part of it is that my kids actually love to watch me workout and like to be involved while trying the moves themselves. I like to believe this is a great lesson for them. I want them to be conscious of their health and nutrition into adulthood and what a better way than to lead by example.
The truth is when it comes to losing weight, getting healthy and eating right, you have to put in the work. It might be hard at first but the benefits of feeling your best and being healthy far outway the latter. With that said, I would like to share with you what is working for me as well as a few things that are working for others locally.
Lets start with the FREE ones.
Intermittent Fasting (IF)
You may have been hearing a lot about this lately or maybe you have never heard of it at all. Not only does IF promote weight loss, but it has several other benefits such as brain health, inflammation, insulin resistance, heart health, anti-aging and some studies say it even helps prevent cancer. Say whaaaaaaa?
I am currently using the 16/8 plan which allows me to take in calories within an 8 hour period and then fast for 16 hours. (ex. all calories and meals between noon and 8pm) There are also benefits to exercising during the fasting period to burn stored fat. I could go on and on about how much I have been loving intermittent fasting. I know several other women who have met their goals using intermittent fasting. All you have to do is switch your routine around a little bit. Try it!
Running
I know, I know. Running isnt for everyone but if you have a pair of tennis shoes then you can do it. You can start out walking, ease into jogging and before you know it you are running a mile. Then two. It helps your cardiovascular health substantially and also helps alleviate symptoms of depression. I highly recommend adding running to your exercise routine even if it,s just once a week.
The next group of options aren’t free but don’t necessarily break the bank either.
They also include a meal plan which teaches you exactly what your body needs and what to avoid.
SimplyFit
SimplyFit is owned and operated by Faith Barbare (local to the Lexington area). Her meal plan program and exercise plan has not only helped me lose 15 pounds while building muscle but changed the lives of so many women here in Columbia as well as across the nation all while being affordable and knowledgeable. Everything can be done from home which is EXACTLY what I needed. Her program also comes with a support network of other women trying to accomplish similar goals and doing the same workouts! I love how this program holds you accountable.
Faith (pictured above) says, “I have a unique ability to change the way people feel about themselves that allows them to live their best life. Through my company I empower busy women to take back their health and fitness.”
Beach Body
You may have heard about the Beach Body program. This is an online meal plan and fitness program allowing you to stream your workouts to your phone, computer or smart TV, giving you everything you need from the comfort of home.
Need to get out of the house to exercise?
Here are a few options around town that offer one time classes or you can get memberships. I like to switch it up every once in a while so trying a class here and there is fun! Also, keeping your body guessing is always good way to avoid a plateau. Consider it “me time”.
Yoga
There are lots of Yoga studios around town that offer anything from Aerial Yoga to the basics. There are even restaurants/businesses that offer some pretty enticing classes! For instance, The Pompeii Oven in the Chapin offers a bi-monthly MIMOSanA where you get an hour long yoga experience and then a beer or mimosa! In the downtown area, Good Company Yoga hosts several unique classes at different local joints, for example the Beer Yoga at the Hangar class! Pink Lotus Yoga Center in Lexington offers weekly Aerial/Swing Yoga which is an exciting experience. These are just a few of the amazing Yoga opportunities in the Columbia area.
Orange Theory
Orange Theory Fitness has four locations in Columbia and gives you the opportunity to work with a coach every time. All you have to do is show up. “It’s a one hour full-body group workout! We focus on heart-rate based interval training backed by science, proven to burn more calories post-workout. Each workout is tracked by technology, so you can track your results in real time. Every workout is led by coaches to prevent over/under training. Fun, fun, fun!” – Coach Ashley Watson (Orange Theory Fitness of Irmo, pictured below)
Some other unique fitness facilities around town include (just to name a few)…
You can join a gym, you can workout at home, you can learn about calories, learn about what your body needs and doesnt need. Regardless of how you decide to reach your goals, the fact is that it is doable and there are many options to help you get there. There was a time when I did not think I could make it work with my busy life. There was a time that I didn’t think I would ever be able to run a 5k again. There was a time when I didn’t put my health first. I didn’t care that I wasn’t in shape, but I grew tired of not being the best version of myself. I want to be in good physical health. That is the bottom line and sometimes it just takes a little motivation for us modern moms!
Hey! Reading your article, I just kept thinking, 100% YES! I have had the same attitude towards fitness for so long. My kids, husband, house, (insert everything else) came before me and my health. I found S.L.A.M. Columbia and it has changed the game for me. It’s a group of moms (and we bring our kids!) who workout in parks in Columbia throughout the week. It’s a glorious thing! Would love to help spread the word because it has made such a difference in my life!