How I Prioritize Fitness as a Sports Mom

Busy Sport Season, Still Moving: Prioritizing Mental Health & Fitness in the Summer Ball Grind

Spring ball wrapped up with muddy cleats, team snacks, and more time at the ballpark than in my own kitchen. And now? We’re heading full throttle into summer ball—aka the competitive season.

The energy is different. The stakes feel higher. The schedule is tighter.

As a mom of a young athlete, I feel it. The longer road trips, packed weekends, and pressure to be everywhere. I love watching my son play his heart out—but it’s a lot. And in all that hustle, I’ve noticed a familiar pattern: my own needs start sliding to the back burner.

When Sport Season Picks Up, Mental Health Can Dip

Between keeping up with games, managing meals, packing gear, and coordinating life around the tournament calendar, it’s easy to ignore what our own bodies and minds are asking for: rest, movement, peace.

For me, skipping my workouts doesn’t just impact my body—it messes with my mindset. I get edgy, drained, and less equipped to handle everything being thrown at me. I’ve learned this the hard way: movement isn’t a luxury—it’s my reset button.

How I Stay Committed (Even in the Chaos):

🏃‍♀️ 1. Running Keeps Me Grounded

When my schedule’s unpredictable, running is my go-to. It clears the noise in my head and gives me something to work toward—even if it's just a solo 3K before the sun’s up. Sometimes I sign up for local running events or virtual challenges just to keep myself focused and inspired.

Even if it’s short, even if it’s slow—it’s still movement.

🌅 2. Early Mornings Are My Anchor

Before the car gets packed and the chaos starts, I sneak in my “me time.” A quick lift, a HIIT circuit, or a solo stretch session with my favorite playlist. My early mornings are far from glamorous—but they’re consistent.

This ritual has become the one part of my day that’s mine. It helps me feel in control and capable before the rest of the day unravels.

🧘‍♀️ 3. Yoga Wherever, Whenever

I literally keep a yoga mat in my car. Between innings, during warmups, or while waiting for the next game—I’ve learned to fit in five minutes here and there. A few stretches and deep breaths go a long way in calming my nervous system and releasing tension.

It’s not a full class. It’s not Instagram-perfect. But it works.

You Don’t Have to Choose Between Their Season & Your Sanity

If you’re in the thick of tournaments, travel, and Team Snap notification—you’re not alone. And you don’t have to disappear on yourself just because you're showing up for your kids.

Let’s normalize being the mom cheering in the stands and sneaking in squats behind the bleachers. Let’s value the importance of our mental and physical health—even in the busiest seasons.

You deserve to feel strong, grounded, and seen—even when your calendar is full of someone else’s practices.

Let’s normalize giving ourselves permission to move, to breathe, and to choose ourselves too.