Today’s post is part of my series on Health and Fitness for mums. It is written by Karla from Ironmum Karla. Ironmum Karla is a relatively new but regular blog read for me. Karla is a certified level III and IV personal trainer, has studied business marketing and child nutrition and I love the variety of posts that she shares on these topics.
Here are just a few posts of the posts I recommend checking out from Ironmum Karla:
- Quick fairy wand and pirate boat fruit whip-ups
- Just what are the best ab exercises?
- Iced mint lime tea
- When was the last time you ‘checked in’?
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Finding the time to exercise doesn’t just happen…even for the best of us it takes self-motivation and a few tricks of the trade to actually make it happen.
With anything, the outcome is only as good as the preparation and I know from personal experience planning is my saviour. If I haven’t looked ahead and prioritised time to workout, well, it just doesn’t happen.
There really is no excuse when you are young and single, but as time marches on and family life creeps into the picture, it doesn’t leave a lot of time to dedicate to yourself. The secret is you have to MAKE the time for it to happen. An opportunity isn’t just going to come and tap you on the shoulder and say ‘Hay, now seems like a good time to get a walk in…” it’s up to you to prioritise it.
Like it or not early mornings are the best time to sneak out the door. There always seems to be some kind of drama of child related request once the family is up which is why it is best to on your way before the day gobbles up your time. It can take a bit of getting used to but believe me, you will never regret waking early to workout, and it actually gives you energy for the day and promotes a healthier appetite.
Of course this is an ideal situation but if your partner begins the day early then don’t despair these are my favourite ways to sneak in exercise and not disrupt the family unit too much…
- There are a plethora of YouTube videos that provide great workouts. I blogged about free channels here (plus some paid ones) and these are great because you don’t have to work around a gym timetable.
- While my eldest is at school and the 2 year old naps during the day, I fit in a 30 minute body blast. Have everything ready before they go to sleep, then make it the first thing you do once they are down. Workout DVD’s, treadmill, rebounder, Pilates, yoga can all be done from home.
- If your partner does leave the house early in the morning, it’s still possible to get something done. Yes, an iPod or TV is involved for the kids if they are up, otherwise a quick 30 minute spin on a stationary bike is a great way to start the day.
- Find a gym with a crèche. I’m not really into them but I can understand why they are so popular for mothers. It’s like day-care, they will get the hang of it.
- By far the easiest thing to do is go for a walk with bub or toddler in pram. Once you build up the km, add in some running or hills to keep challenging the body.
- Enjoy a night class – zumba and yoga are popular group classes that begin after hours and can be the lovely way to de-stress from the day.
- Enlist help from grandparents or minders. In most cases all you need is an hour a few times a week to run out the door which is quite easy if you wanted to do this during your child’s nap time.
- Take the road. If you are going out with the family, plan to leave a little earlier and walk or ride there on your own. Meet you family there and then you can get a lift home.
Nothing should be more important than looking after your health. For you and your kids sake..they will gain a lot by seeing you taking the time to exercise and promoting an active lifestyle.
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How do you sneak in exercise and not disrupt the family unit too much?