As the school year winds down and summer break looms, many moms find themselves facing a schedule that looks nothing like what they’ve gotten used to over the past nine months. Quiet mornings are replaced with noisy kitchens, routines get disrupted, and suddenly, your workouts—those precious moments you carved out for you — start feeling like the first thing to go.
But here’s the truth: You don’t have to cancel your fitness routine just because your kids are home. In fact, staying active might be exactly what you need to maintain your sanity and energy through the summer chaos.
Don’t act on emotion — Act on a plan
When our schedules are flipped upside down, it’s easy to make emotional decisions. You feel overwhelmed, so you start trimming the “extras.” But fitness isn’t an extra. It’s a form of self-care—and more than that, it’s a necessity. Canceling your workout might feel like a relief in the moment, but over time, it often leads to more stress, less patience and a foggy mindset.
Instead of cutting it out, adjust. Shift your mindset from “I don’t have time” to “How can I make time?”
Allow for an adjustment period
The first couple of weeks of summer will likely feel unorganized, messy and chaotic. That’s OK. Give yourself grace and space to figure things out. The beauty of this season is that it’s temporary. Let your schedule breathe. Your workouts might look different, shorter or at a new time of day—and that’s totally fine.
For example, if you usually work out after school drop-off, maybe now you squeeze in a 30-minute workout before the kids wake up. Or maybe it becomes a post-lunch break while they watch a movie and you hit a quick circuit or online class.
Get the kids involved
Fitness doesn’t always have to be alone time. Turn it into a family activity once in a while. Go for a walk or bike ride together. Do a dance workout in the living room. Bring them to your training studio if it’s kid-friendly. Not only are you staying active, but you’re also modeling healthy habits for your kids—a win-win.
Be creative and flexible
Your summer fitness might not be perfect. But progress over perfection always wins. Use what you’ve got:
- Shorter but more frequent workouts (even 15 minutes counts)
- On-demand workout videos while the kids nap or play
- Early morning classes or evening sessions with a neighbor or sitter swap
- Outdoor workouts at the park while the kids play
Remember why you started
You work out because it makes you feel strong, confident, capable and energized. Don’t lose sight of that. The more grounded and empowered you feel, the better you show up for your family.
This summer, instead of erasing your routine, evolve it. Give yourself permission to do it differently, not perfectly. You’ve navigated a million changes before—this one’s no different.
You’ve got this, mama. Keep showing up, even in small ways. Your future self will thank you.
