Fitness Tips for Busy Mums
Being a mum is incredibly hard work, and each stage of motherhood presents its own unique challenges.
From waking up in the middle of the night to feed your baby, to dropping the older kids off at school, while trying to keep the house in order and food on the table, there's always something to do.
Many mothers tend to put their own health and fitness journey aside, thinking it's the easiest way to free up some time. But when you start running low on energy or struggling to keep up with the kids, you realize how important it is to prioritize your own health too.
If you're starting your fitness journey for the first time as a mum, or getting back into it after a break, it can feel overwhelming to find the time and energy for it.
We understand your struggle and want to let you know it's possible to balance both worlds. Here are some practical tips to help you seamlessly integrate health and fitness into motherhood:
1. Exercise When Kids Are Asleep
One of the best times to schedule a workout is when the kids are asleep. This could be early in the morning before they wake up, during nap time, or in the evening after they go to bed.
You may be tired and have other priorities, which is understandable. Don’t put super tight expectations on yourself. Go with the flow. If you need rest, listen to your body and rest. But if you have some energy left, a workout can help you feel refreshed and accomplished.
2. Get Your Kids Involved in Your Workout
If your children refuse to nap or are older and want to join you, encourage them to get moving with you.
Kids naturally love running around and staying active, so use it to your advantage and have fun together.
For a cardio session, play soccer with them. If they love copying you, give them toy dumbbells or empty water bottles and let them mimic your exercises.
While you might not focus on the workout as much as when alone, remember that any movement is better than none, and you're doing your best.
3. Meal Prep Is Everything
As a busy mum, minimizing cooking time is essential. Try to cook meals in bulk when you can. Setting aside time to meal prep for the week ahead keeps you organized and more likely to stay on track with your nutrition.
4. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Everyone’s journey is different and unique. If you see someone bounce back from their postpartum physique quickly while you take longer, don’t belittle yourself or feel guilty. Keep following your own path.
We all progress differently, and we don’t always know what others are going through. Focus on yourself, celebrate all achievements - big and small - and remember, we rise by lifting others. You are beautiful, loved, and you’ve got this.
5. Reach Out for Support
You don’t have to go through this journey alone.
Ask a relative for help with the kids, find a training group with childcare, or lean on friends for emotional support. There's nothing wrong with getting help.
If your emotional health is affected and you’re going through a rough patch, contact your healthcare provider for support.
Feeling supported makes it easier to work towards your goals, and sticking to your health and fitness regime will make you feel even better.
6. Be Kind to Yourself
Self-love and self-compassion are crucial for your overall wellbeing, so be kind to yourself.
We all have moments of dissatisfaction, whether about changes in physique or feeling like we aren’t achieving as much as we could. These feelings of guilt can be especially true for mums.
Remember, kids pick up on your energy and notice how you talk to yourself. By nurturing positive body image and self-love, you set them up for a better relationship with themselves.
Here’s a gentle reminder:
Your body has changed because it’s made beautiful humans. This change doesn’t make you any less beautiful. You are glowing; embrace and celebrate yourself.
You might not have as much time for work or hobbies, but you’re working on the biggest project of all - raising a happy, well-rounded child. This requires immense dedication, and we applaud you.
Your house may not always be tidy, but your home is full of love, which is what really matters.
You are allowed to focus on yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup. So claim as much me-time as you can, even if it's just 15 minutes at the end of the day.
Thank you for all that you do, beautiful mums.
We hope these tips are helpful. Remember, we’re here to support you through all stages of your health and fitness journey.