\nAs parents we tend to put the needs of our children ahead of our own \u2013 and why wouldn\u2019t we \u2013 they are our babies after all and we spend every waking moment thinking about their health and wellbeing. We sacrifice our social lives, our health, our free time\u2026basically what seems like our lives for our children. We become selfless.
\nBut what about us? Don\u2019t we deserve the time and space to look after ourselves? To feel good, look good and he happy?
\nWe all have busy schedules and I know it\u2019s hard to take care of the family and still find time to stay fit and look after ourselves. You might be thinking it\u2019s only possible for parents with special superpowers or those with external help to achieve this, but believe me it\u2019s possible without those things \u2013 even if you\u2019re a full-time working parent.
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\nWe\u2019re all eager to get back into shape post-baby but the idea is often greater than the actual reality. In the early stages of parenting with a newborn, a whole day will go by and you can feel like you haven\u2019t achieved anything. Just keeping the baby alive is high on the priority scale and as a result exercise doesn\u2019t get much love.
\nHowever, we all need stability in our mental, physical and emotional health and regular exercise is the key. After giving birth I decided to make exercise a priority to feel myself again. Getting in shape and exercising shouldn\u2019t be a matter of if<\/em> but more about when <\/em>we do it, and setting aside that time each week is so important.
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So how do we start?<\/h4>\nStep: 1 \u2013 Change your mind set\u2026one burpee at a time<\/h4>\n
Don\u2019t think of physical activity as a chore, but as a blessing for your body. Our bodies are made to move and it\u2019s no secret that regular exercise helps improve our mood, reduces stress and boosts our confidence \u2013 meaning we can do and achieve more on a daily basis. Start small, even if it\u2019s five burpees, ten sit-ups or a few squats between nappy changes. My personal favourite was lunges while rocking my baby at night, and as crazy as it sounds anything is better than nothing.
\nStaying active is a big part of my life, and between running a business and juggling a family, it\u2019s something I always make time for \u2013 no matter what! My family thank me for it and as a result I\u2019m a better and happier person. Even on the busiest of days, I can always do push ups and jump squats – three sets of 10 reps each and that\u2019s guaranteed to get the blood and muscles pumping and elevating my mood instantly.<\/p>\n
Step 2 \u2013 Find your \u2018me\u2019 time<\/h4>\n
This is that special time where you take a moment to yourself. Perhaps when the kids are napping, or just as you wake up? First thing in the morning works for me and has now become a part of my daily routine. Upon waking I get straight into my active wear and off I go.
\nWe need to stop thinking we never have any time and actually make time. Book it in as you would any other appointment. Stop for five minutes and just breathe, meditate, pamper yourself \u2013 or do whatever relaxes you most. We all need our \u2018me\u2019 time to restore the mind and body which will set you up for the day ahead.<\/p>\n
STEP 3 – Involve your kids<\/h4>\n
This is the best way to keep active without having to make time for exercise. Try involving your kids in your workouts – walk them to school instead of driving, run or scooter around with them in a park, dance to music, and play sports with them. Kids are so active and love to run so embrace it, and it\u2019s a great way to keep fit at the same time. Even better, include them in a 15-minute workout. My son now loves to play the trainer and runs me through a workout session.<\/p>\n
STEP 4 \u2013 Eat right<\/h4>\n
Our diets are just as important as our fitness routines. Just because we have children, doesn\u2019t mean our nutritional intake needs to suffer. I always make sure my kids eat well and I lead by example. Try carrying a small box filled with snacks such as sliced applies, blueberries, protein balls or trail mix when you\u2019re out and about on your busy day. It\u2019s a great way to pack your body full of nutrition on the go, and always remember to hydrate well with water.<\/p>\n
STEP 5 \u2013 Create a strong support system<\/h4>\n
Don\u2019t worry you aren\u2019t alone. There are so many parents going through the same daily struggle. Try arranging meet-ups with other parents in your condo or neighbourhood and get active together, or join a gym or fitness class that involves kids. Even if it\u2019s only on weekends, getting into a regular routine with others helps motivate and keep you on track. I love the community of group fitness – you get fit while socialising.
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\nBalancing your busy schedule with family and fitness is tough, but very achievable. It\u2019s all about training your mind to accept fitness as an important part of your routine and taking the necessary actions to make it happen.
\nNeed more inspirational fitness tips or fancy joining us at our next bootcamp? Get in touch with me at amanda@momentumbootcamps.com<\/a> or visit www.momentumbootcamps.com<\/a> to book your free trial.<\/p>\n