fitness – SUMMER PEREZ

I’ve heard it so many times after baby is the born: I can’t work out because of the kids. There’s no time/ they need my attention/ etc…

But what about working out WITH your kids?

I have noticed such a huge impact in their daily lives when I show them that I put the effort in to better myself.

They see that, yes, this is mommy, she does such and such for me, but she also has her own things going on.

They develop a habit of being active from an early age.

And if I include them in a work out, we get to spend time bonding and laughing, and learning things anywhere from how to count to: “These are called quads. They help move your leg like this.”

They learn that work outs don’t have to be a mysterious thing that no one should see you do. (Let’s be honest: how many people feel embarrassed to go to the gym and have people see them working out?)

They begin to understand their bodies and what they need to do to nourish them and stay healthy.

They find a way to handle their emotions and burn off energy.

They become your greatest supporters and trainers. They will ask for the daily workout, push for one more rep, and keep your heart pumping as you chase them around.

And if you ever take a moment to look in their eyes in the middle of all this, no matter what it is, whether it’s a hard core work out or something easier that ends up getting split up throughout the day, you will see their hearts filled with inspiration and admiration for the work that you do. And that’s motivation enough to show up to work out the next day.

Let your kids motivate you to be a better you. Let them see you make the effort to be active and enjoy the process. Kids are more likely to do as you do than do as you say. Plant the seed early on in their lives.

Show up every day in some way and have fun… Your body will thank you and so will your kids!

Have you ever found yourself exercising and thinking of what you have to do today or of all the bills, the kids, your job, etc? If so, you may be depriving yourself of the maximal impact your workout can have on not only your body but your mind, as well.

Being present in your workout allows you to become fully aware of your body and drives each movement with purpose. Not only that, it also stimulates your brain cells as you envision the muscle being worked contract and relax with each rep. Focusing inward and on every movement can help decrease stress by turning your workout into a meditation in and of itself.

Reaping the benefits of the mind-body connection happen even BEFORE you step foot in the gym. Visualizing that you are going all out during your work out— imagining yourself performing each set at your best performance— will allow you to go harder, stronger and longer once you get into the gym.

It has also been shown that positive statements and thoughts regarding your abilities and your workout will improve your overall performance. What you think, you become! If you go into your workout with a negative attitude about yourself and your abilities, your body will follow suit.

So instead of just going through your next workout in an automated fashion, bring more awareness to what you are doing and to the ‘here and now’.

Cultivate a mind-body connection to get the most out of every workout by doing the following:

1. Shift your attention

Shift your attention inward and take notice of how your body is doing, how you are feeling. Not only will you get a better workout and understand how your body is moving, you will also reduce the risk of injuries as you keep your mind from becoming distracted by all that is life outside your workout.

2. Mix things up

If you’re having trouble focusing inward, perhaps it’s because you have grown accustomed to the exercise you are doing. Mix things up and start your workout with something new to establish the mind-body connection for the rest of your workout.

3. Have a plan

Knowing what you’re going to do before you get started allows you to remain grounded in the moment instead of having to come up with the next thing to do.

4. Visualize

Spend some time visualizing doing your best on your next set between rests. Imagine your run being smooth and paced. Feel yourself giving it your all during spin class.

5. Speak positively to yourself

Your inner dialogue can make or break you. How you decide to speak to yourself can help you stay motivated and push you towards your goals. Stay positive and begin your workout with an empowering statement.

Try these tips out during your next workout and let me know how it goes!

What Happens When You Workout with Your Kids

5 tips to maximize your workout