Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
When you’re a busy Mum, fitness is nowhere near the front of your priorities list. If we’ve got a free hour to do as we please, you already know that we’re watching Gogglebox, glass of wine in hand, feet up. However, heading to the gym – even for an hour – can really benefit you, especially if parenting has left you feeling like the walking dead. A little bit of a) serotonin, and b) energy wouldn’t go a miss now, would it? If you’re looking to get fit, here are some things that you can do.
Buy wrist and ankle weights
OK, so you may only have time for a walk, but why not turn it into more of an exercise? Wrist and ankle weights increase the intensity of your workout, and help you to burn more calories and build up more muscle without having to do more (well, kinda). When you’re a busy Mum, even these small changes to your fitness regime with help you to see the difference, so look into the options that are out there.
Think about exercise as self-care
Something that can help you to enjoy exercise more (and motivate you to do it) is seeing it as an act of self-care. Not only does it help to keep your body healthy and in shape, but it’s also great for your mental health, too. Taking a short time out of your week to exercise will make you feel on top of the world, even if it’s only because you finally got some time to focus on yourself for a little while. Phew.
Get an online personal trainer
Going to see a personal trainer in the gym all of the time can be pretty stressful if you’re a busy Mum, and you may not be able to do this even if you’d like to. Luckily, there are online personal trainers out there like Andy Griffiths who can give you that much needed advice whilst you have a baby in your arms and you’re trying to cook dinner. All you need is access to the internet, and someone who knows what they’re talking about!
Leave the car at home
There are so many places that we drive to as parents: to pick the kids up from school, to go to the shop, to go to work… the list goes on. Although you do, of course, need to drive to some of these places, there are also opportunities to walk instead. Not only will this increase your general fitness levels, but it will also give you a chance to speak to your children on the way home from school, or just to take some time to yourself to think.
Make family days active
When you have your family days on the weekend, think about the things you can do that aren’t just sitting in front of a screen at the cinema, or lounging around at home. Sure, we all need days like this, but it’s a good idea nevertheless to factor fitness into your family time. Go to the park, for a woodland walk, or even for a stroll around a scenic little town. There are plenty of things to do that will benefit you all!
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
