Most mothers would agree that being a parent in the first place is often exercise enough. With a household to run, children to look after, and sometimes even a career to work, it’s not as if you’re going to be lacking physical activity day after day. But of course, that doesn’t always mean you’re going to be getting in the aerobic exercise you need to stay healthy. It just means you may feel tired and lethargic.
For this reason, getting good rest in is almost always a good idea before you add any more to your self-care journey. But let’s say you figure exercise actually gives you more energy than takes it away, especially over time as your energy levels increase thanks to being in better shape. What then? How can a Mum better fit exercise into her personal care regimen?
In this post, we’ll suggest some options that can help, without taking away too much time from your already hectic schedule.
Yoga & Pilates
Yoga and pilates can be performed in your own home, especially with online tutorial videos helping you get started. Moreover, while yoga might not seem like the most intense activity, most seasoned practitioners will laugh at that assumption. Here you can work on your core strength, balance, sense of presence, and flexibility without having to throw yourself into running straight away, or even leaving your spare room. Moreover, these exercises require little to no equipment, just loose-fitting clothing or gymwear, and a nice mat for the floor.
School Run After-Walks
A school run is non-negotiable for many parents, for obvious reasons. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use the time following it to go and walk the dog in the park. Or, perhaps you can enjoy a walk after school with your child, letting them ride their Blunt S9 Scooter while you walk home with them. You might even decide to head to the gym afterwards, a yoga class, or a dance class. You may be surprised, but a workout only has to be about twenty minutes to get a good amount of aerobic activity in, so enjoying consistently minor work can be phenomenal, as opposed to herculean efforts that feel less sustainable.
Partnering With Other Mums
It’s good to partner with other mums, too. You’re not the only one in this predicament after all, many women hope to be in good shape after the rigours of pregnancy and caring for their children. Most of them will have similar schedules to you as well, which means you may be able to bind together and become mutual accountability partners. Perhaps a friend is well-versed in dance and is happy to run a class, or you enjoy hiking together. Even just talking to your friend about wanting to start can help you begin on a small running program. When Mums stick together, anything is possible.
With this advice, you’re sure to get the best exercise as a Mum and thrive in your new sense of personal autonomy.