How To Fit Exercise Into Your Day As A Busy Mum!

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One of the biggest challenges for busy Mums is finding the time to exercise.

For most modern Mums exercise is the closest thing we get to a bit of ‘me time’. It is a time that we can focus on ourselves and take a little break from taking care of everyone else.

As a pregnancy and postnatal fitness specialist and Mum of two, I love sharing simple ways that Mums can stay active and feel strong and healthy – both physically and mentally

Creating a healthy lifestyle and body as a busy Mum

#1. Start your day with the 3 M’s

It may be tempting to dive straight into your work or chores, especially when you have a to-do list a mile long. However, if you start each day with the 3 M’s, you will not only be more productive, you will wake up feeling energised and vibrant.

The 3 M’s include:

7 minutes of Movement.
7 minutes of Meditation.
7 minutes of Motivation such as journalling, reading an inspiring book or blog post or listening to an inspiring podcast.

#2 Move every day

It doesn’t have to be an hour long session at the gym. But make the commitment to move your body every day and make it a priority. Moving your body will circulate fresh blood to your brain, help improve your mood and reduce any stiffness that comes from sitting at a desk for an extended period.

I love these 3 simple ways to move as an active break. I have listed in order of intensity.

3 Sun Salutations
5 Push Ups + 10 Squats x 3 rounds
2 Quad Push Ups + 10 Mountain Climbers x 3 rounds

#3 Workout with Your Little Ones

Super Pram Workout

If your little ones are still in the pram, then take advantage by boosting your afternoon walk to include a mini-strength circuit. The combination of body weight strength exercises plus the cardiovascular benefits of walking are a great way to boost your fitness and strength quickly and easily. This strength circuit is suitable to all levels of postnatal fitness. Try adding it to your next walk or even pop your baby into the pram at home and give it a try.

Find a park bench or chair and complete the following circuit

10 Squats

10 Step Ups onto Bench

10 Push Ups onto Bench (from your knees if you have a weak pelvic floor or stomach separation)

10 Tricep Dips onto Bench

Repeat 9,8,7 all the way down to 1!

Active Play Dates

If you are meeting a friend or a group of friends for a play date, make it an active one. You can be as creative as you like. Go for a walk together (try the circuit above). Take the kids to a park where you can workout while they run around. Chip in to hire a nanny so you can exercise while someone is keeping the kids under control. Get as creative as you can.

I hope you got some new ideas on how to incorporate exercise into your busy Mum life! I would love to hear your comments or any ideas you have to work out.

Article written by: Kimmy Smith is the founder of the Fit Mummy Project App – the complete post-natal fitness and wellbeing App. Kimmy is also an ex-professional athlete, fitness instructor, qualified yoga teacher and mother to two girls. Kimmy is on a mission to support and empower women to embrace the journey of motherhood. In 2016, Kimmy launched the postnatal fitness and wellbeing hub, www.kimmysmithfit.com, an online destination that encompasses fitness, food and healthy mindset essentials including tips, advice, workouts, meal plans and recipes. It aims to help all new mums create a beautiful, fit and strong new body and life.