How to Find Time to Exercise
Photo by Gustavo Fring
After your little one arrives, your entire routine changes. If fitness was once a priority in your life, it may feel impossible to find uninterrupted alone time to focus on yourself. Time that you once took for granted pre-baby. While more challenging, it’s not impossible to reinitiate these healthy habits. We have some ideas on how you can get started. Just make sure you have your doctor’s permission first before starting any high-impact exercises and don’t push yourself too hard, too soon. Your post-partum fitness journey (if you choose to start one) is not a sprint.
1. Commit to a fitness goal
Set intentions with your fitness journey no matter how big or small. Maybe you want to run a 5k in a year or maybe you want to incorporate yoga into your routine 3 days a week. Choose a goal based on what feels right for your ability level and lifestyle. Once you have a goal in mind, you’ll be more motivated to work towards it every day.
2. Make fitness a part of your morning routine
While it’s tempting to crawl back into bed after feeding your little one early in the morning, use this time to get your workout in instead. Your morning routine is much more predictable than the rest of the day and getting in your workout first thing will give you a boost of energy. Ask your hubby for support, this is a great time for them to get one-on-one time with the baby and can ensure you have some uninterrupted time to focus on exercising.
3. Find an at-home program
The best gym is one you can commit to every day. So, transform your home into a gym even if you don’t have a lot of space or equipment. With a yoga mat, resistance bands, and a few light weights you can do a variety of exercises from your house. Download a fitness app, like Le Mills, or find a trainer you like on YouTube. We recommend Fit with Sally who has lots of short workouts ranging from 10-30 mins designed for mums in various stages of their post-partum journeys.
4. Wear your workout clothes during the day
Sometimes it’s hard to find motivation just to put on your exercise clothing. If this sounds like you, put your exercise clothes on when you get dressed in the morning or even sleep in them so you’re ready to go as soon as you wake up. It will feel easier to squeeze in a quick workout during the day if you’re already dressed.
5. Exercise with your baby
If your little one cries when you put them down, strap them into the stroller or baby carrier and exercise together. Pushing the stroller around your neighborhood is great exercise and will let you both get some fresh air. Pack your resistance bands and if you’re feeling up to it, do some light resistance exercises in your garden or at the park while your little one naps in the stroller. You can also join mummy and me classes in your local area which are a great way to meet other local mums.