Sticking with an exercise routine can be a struggle for anyone. But for Mums, squeezing in workouts can feel darn near impossible. After all, how are you supposed to find time to work out when you can’t even go to the bathroom undisturbed?

But I totally believe that it is one of THE most important time in a womens life to exercise. The endorphins that we get, the fresh air, the time out of the house being a Mother, and the list goes on.

Between caring for kids, workplace demands, cooking, keeping the house clean, doctors appointments, school and all the rest, there is often little time left for us to get out and sweat.

So today I wanted to share with you our Top 6 Tips for making exercise a reality and a priority so that you don’t get caught up in making excuses, that are literally just that – excuses!

1. First Things First
   Work out before the day gets away from you. If I wait until the end of the day, I’d never get my workout in. There are just too many activities and commitments that come up, and a whole day to think up some very good excuses as to why I shouldn’t bother. So I like to get my exercise done first thing in the morning if possible, then its done for the day and I don’t have to think about it again.
2. Schedule it in
   If you have an appointment on your calendar, chances are you show up. That same tactic helps when it comes to exercise. Either make a commitment to yourself on Sunday night what you exercise for the week will look like, or plan the night before, but schedule it in. This might mean you also need to find a sweat buddy that will keep you accountable, or a Mums and Bubs class that you will head to. This also helps if you are trying to coordinate with a partner/husband that also might like to get out and exercise. You can take it in turns.
3. Have a Plan for what you’ll do to sweat
   Once you’ve penciled in your workout, don’t forget to think about what you’ll actually do once you step outside for your session. If you are heading to the gym – then know what work out you are going to do. If your heading for a run, plan your route or how long you want to go for. Whatever you are doing to get your heart rate up for the day, make sure you have a plan in place and stick to it.
4. Include your kids
   If you are unable to do your exercise before the kids get up in the morning, or if you have super early rises, then include them in your session. I often use Ivy as my weight for my squats if she isn’t happy playing on a mat nearby. Or put out a mat and some toys to keep them entertained. Pop them in the pram for a walk or run and while you are it, stop mid walk/run and do some squats or lunges using the pram as support if need be.
5. Don’t Beat Yourself Up
   Let’s face it, life happens in the form of sick days, tantrums and gigantic messes that won’t clean themselves. There are days when you can have the greatest plan in the world, and you just can’t stick to it. We all have those, and its those days that frustrate me, but I also know that those days are the ones I need to give myself a leave pass. If you do miss a day, don’t stress. Don’t compare yourself to other Mums, just understand you are doing the best you can and tomorrow will be a better day.
6. Build a support crew
   Juggling the responsibilities of family, work and life can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Like-minded parents are a great support system. Find a buddy or group to train with. It really helps to have others hold you accountable. Other Mum buddies can also understand when life gets too much and you just need a walk in the fresh air, or you might not make it to training. But don’t use ‘kids’ as an excuse, use them as a motivator to be the best Mum you can.

If you are struggling to get back in to training since having a baby, whether its been 3 months or 3 years, then maybe its time to chat to us to get a plan for your comeback. It doesn’t have to cost money, it doesn’t have to mean 12 hours a day in the gym, it just means starting! Call Amy today on 0412 230 926 to get an action plan in place.