The past few weeks have been busy. Things like teaching four separate classes, grading, coaching cross country, helping put in the new kitchen, and camping, this is the first weekend I haven’t had a full agenda. And it has been glorious.
The downside to all that go go go, is there has been very limited time to workout. Even a short workout has barely happened due to being over scheduled. I am super impressed by all you moms who manage careers and families and still find time to get a sweat session in!
For those of you who are also in a busy season of life where working out is just not happening, there are a few things you can do to ensure you don’t lose all your fitness. Note, these tips are for those who keep a normal workout routine during the week when other things are not taking over, this is not for those who don’t keep a regular routine.

Wear a pedometer. You might already do this, but for me, I don’t wear mine if I know I have a workout scheduled later that day. When I can’t fit gym time in, I’ll wear my pedometer to ensure I get in my 10,000 steps. Here are some ideas on how to use your pedometer without being stuck to your phone.
Stand more. Sure you had a busy day, but you probably were sitting for a good chunk of it. At least that’s what happened to me when I have after school meetings. Try doing a bit more standing throughout the day. It’s good for your leg strength, core support, and burns a teeny bit more than sitting. A few ways to make this work – Stand
- during commercials
- while checking social media
- while catching up with your spouse, kids, SO at the end of your day
- in the back of a work training
- pumping gas (don’t get back into your car to sit down)
- while on the phone
Lighten up your food. I don’t mean you need to cut calories, but you do need to adjust your intake to account for the additional calories you are not burning at the gym during your busy season. What this looks like for me is that I cut out one snack during the day. My typical food schedule looks like (note, my times are based around my class schedules):
- 6:30-7ish Breakfast
- 10:30 Snack
- 12:00 Lunch
- 3:30 Snack
- 7-8ish Dinner
When I’m not working out, I cut out the 10:30 snack. Sure it’s only a 150-300 calories gone, but it’s enough to cover what is not getting done in the gym.
Skip the drinks. Or, sip smarter. Instead of reaching for the heavy beers and sugary cocktails, skip alcohol all-together, or choose low-calorie beverages. Wine spritzers, tonic water as a mixer, ultra light beers, and smaller pours can all help you keep your waistline in check.
Get enough sleep. Yes, this seems counterintuitive that if you’re super busy, you’re not going to get enough sleep because you’re busy. While that may be true, you need to prioritize it. Lack of sleep can lead to poor decision making around food, not having a clear head to make all decisions, and mood swings.
Hydrate the same. If you’re already drinking your needed ounces (body weight in half in ounces), then keep it up. That’s a habit you already have in place that your body has adapted to. Changing it when you’re busy will make it harder to get back into when you get some time back.
Reflect and create a new plan (if needed). Determine what about your previous fitness / nutrition plan was working well and what needed to be adjusted. Consider if you were being too tough on yourself and prepare to go into your new found workout time with that new plan in place. If you need help reflecting on your previous plans, your goals, and the best routine for you, leave a comment or email me at wreckingroutine@gmail.com to schedule a free consultation.
This weekly Fit Planner is available for free here!
Don’t compare yourself to others. Even though you don’t currently have the time to hit the gym, that doesn’t mean everyone is in the same boat. You will still see those super-fit women on social media, at work, and out in the world. Don’t compare yourself to them. Know that you are doing the best you can with the time with you have and you will get back to it as soon as you can.
Give yourself a break. Along with “don’t compare yourself to others”, giving your body, mentality, and emotions a little break (however forced by your schedule) can be the difference between feeling completely overwhelmed and accepting of your body and life right now, as is.
Hopefully when your busy season ends and you have time to get back to working out, you’ll still feel strong, healthy, and ready to tackle your goals.
RQ: What are your “tricks” for not losing all your fitness when you’re busy?

I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.







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