This week has been a week for me like many busy Mamapreneurs. The babysitter canceled again, my youngest daughter has a nasty cold and had potty accidents two nights in a row, my husband’s working until 10:30/11:30 nightly, and my own business and personal To- Do lists are ginormous. Mind you I turn into a pumpkin at 11:00 pm, latest, since I arise when still dark and start training clients at 5:00 am. It is a week when juggling is the key word, and I know every busy Mamapreneur has been there or may be there as I type.

This “week” is an example of time when many women push their own needs aside, as they try to make it to the end of each day in one piece. Thus, their exercise routine is thrown out the window during a time when they need stress release the most. Please, during days and weeks that are slammed, incorporate even a little bit of exercise time into your day. It is the medicine that will help keep you stronger both mentally and physically, and truly able to take 5 big breaths when craziness hits.  ie: You in the middle of writing an article and your kiddo hops in your lap for a big hug but turns off the computer. Lovely feeling, sarcasm intended, with laughter, long groans, and laughter again all in the same minute.

HOW TO incorporate exercise on wild ‘n crazy days:

Try some of the following ideas even if you only have minutes at a time. Each chunk of time helps, and you can always incorporate your kids too.

Wild Week Workouts:
1. Playground Perk n Pick Up- When picking up your kids at school, let them play at the playground for at least 15 minutes. During that time, join in on a game of tag, grab a park bench and do some dips, jog laps around the little kids playground, do liners with your kids and their friends on the basketball/tennis courts. Make yourself move fast, as you have your kids moving and getting their wiggles out too.

2. Playroom Pick UP- Every playroom, kids bedroom or family room tend to be the messiest and craziest rooms of the house. Grab a big tub/basket to toss the toys into. With your kids, set the timer and time how fast it takes to pick up all of the toys. When done everyone does 10-20 push ups and 10-20 squats.  Toss the basket of toys all over the ground and starts again. Reset the timer and continue game for 7-10 times.

3. Errand Round Up- You kid may have a bad cold and unable to go to school, but can easily get bundled up and enjoy some fresh air.  Make a list of what errands you have to get done and map it out- post office, dropping off a proposal for a client, picking up milk, and borrowing a special book from a friend.  Stick with your map and run or walk to each errand.  If your kiddo is home with a sitter, put on your backpack and feel like a camp counselor, and run to each spot solo.  I did this yesterday to my dentist appointment, the post office and by a client’s house.  At the end, 5.8 mile run complete in addition to the errands. It does take a few minutes of planning, but makes a huge difference to your day!

4. In HOME Workout- Everyone can do anything for at least one minute.  Do the following Minute to Win IT work out 1,2, 3 or 4 times through, at 80-90% of Maximum Heart Rate.  Your body, running shoes and water to hydrate are the only items needed.

Minute to WIN It Workout

Exercises: do 3 sets of each exercise for 1 minute = 30 minutes

Mountain Climbers
Jumping Jacks
Push Ups
Reverse Lunges
Plank Jacks
Dip with Jacks
Side Jumps
Narrow Grip Push Ups
Speed Skaters
Jump Squats

Make sure to write your workouts in your agenda, just like every important task. Even 5 minutes of sweating can boost your endorphin levels.  YOU can do it, all you need is a little nudge and support.  Make sure to take care of YOU while you take care of your world!

If you have any questions in regards to the workouts, additional ideas, or health and fitness questions you want answered please email me: powerfitnesspdx@gmail.com

Erin Kreitz Shirey can be found on an island in the Bay Area running and cycling everywhere. She is the Master Trainer/CEO/Chief Coach of Power Fitness PDX - Boot Camps, fitness workshops, personal training and fitness media. When not teaching or training, she is laughing deliciously with her kids and trying to enjoy every ounce of life’s adventures. Recently the parent of a sick child, Erin writes about juggling and balancing it all at EmbraceLifesChallenges, in addition to writing her fitness blogs PowerofYOUfitness and Power Fitness PDX