My fitness routine has definitely changed since my little Ninja came along.
I mean, how am I supposed to work out if I can’t even go to the bathroom alone!
Something that I am quickly learning is that a mum’s to-do list is never-ending, and never done!
Life is nappy bags and prams but soon it will be carpool and school lunches and footy games… I’m already tired just thinking about the Mum Taxi.
Sticking with an exercise routine can be a bit tough for anyone (including me!).
It’s such an important part of my life, not just because of work but because of the things it does for ME.
It helps me say see ya to stresses and makes me feel strong and empowered.
And since I’ve become a mum, it’s an important way for me to get some “me minutes” in.
Regular and exercise offers a HEAP of amazing physical and mental benefits for all of those yummy mummies out there.
That includes increased energy, weight control and healthier self-image, stress relief and improved mood, improved sleep, endorphins screaming around your bod in joy, just to name a few things.
I always thought I was a multi tasker, I could juggle work, Ed, training, working out and then Arnie came along.
Bless his cotton socks but I have soon realised what I knew about managing my time was nothing.
I remembered that everyone has the same amount of time in the day, so whether you or not you choose to exercise all comes down to how you spend your time.
Some days I don’t get to my Dojang, and that’s okay too. It’s important that you make exercise a priority to you.
Check out my best tips to ensure that you still get some shiny me time in.
Schedule a date night
We never cancel meetings or appointments – so schedule your workout as a meeting.
Put it in your calendar. Be it every day or 3 times a week, block out some shine time, work your day around it and don’t cancel. Plan ahead to stay ahead.
Find yourself fitness folk
Our motivation can often be tested, so don’t let that be a temptation. Find yourself a workout wing person and don’t go at it alone.
Make yourself accountable when you’re scheduling in your workouts and include a buddy.
Working out together will ensure you do the most important thing and show up! My TIFFXO Ninjas have a built-in cheer squad in our private FB community, as we all push and encourage each other.
Support will keep you going, plus everyone loves a high-5 when you smash your planking.
Prep is key
Prepping makes life ALOT easier. Don’t leave it up to Morning You to decide what to wear to your workout.
Lay everything out (including that water bottle!) the night before so all you have to do is put on that active gear and get going.
Though let’s be honest, if you’re at home and all you need to do is press play, then working out in pjs is also an option
Try something completely fresh
Just because you’re in a time poor workout rut, doesn’t mean you can’t come out the other side with new skills, and great fitting jeans. Try something new.
If you love running and it’s too hot, try HIIT training, if you’re a swimmer but that pool is just chockers with all of those summer swimmers, why not try some martial arts, if you’re finding it hard to hit the gym, suspend your gym membership for a month and try an online training program like mine, tiffxo.com
Reward yourself
Not with food treats, but self care. It’s so important to reward yourself after a hard slog week of working out.
Avoid food rewards and go with cosy self care instead.
Perhaps it’s watching a movie, painting your nails, a scented bath by candle light, or a summer walk along the beach.
Schedule your self care reward and focus on that.
Be sneaky if you need to
Sometimes you need to learn how to stealthily workout when your schedule is FULL. It’s all about sneaking in that workouts in betweens meals, baths and bedtime stories.
Try 10 mins of strength training when the little ones are eating or run on that treadmill when you’re all sitting down to watch TV.
You never know, if you work out in the lounge room you may get some family members joining you for some lunges.
Embrace incidental exercise
If you’re really struggling for time to work out, try finding some time in those moments you never thought that there WAS time!
Welcome to your RUNch break.
Block out your time previously spent munching on a sandwich perusing the internet and instead use that time to work out, go for a run, do some stretching.
You have your time, now commit to it. Find that even that lunch time moments are a bit of a stretch?
Use other moments when you’re out and about to move your body. At the playground with your little ones? Play along side with them. Step ups, push ups or even pull up on the monkey bars! Those little moments of exercise add up quickly.
Sleep tight
I may be living in a dream world when I say this, but try as best you can to get some sleep at night time.
6-8 hours is vital to physical, mental and emotional health. Disconnect from tech an hour before you go to bed and you’ll see a massive shift in energy making you more productive when you need to be.
Remember, some days are going to be easier than others, the real success is pushing through and hanging in there.
Some days will run like a dream and others you will wonder where the day went.
Try and stick to your plan and if not, make the most of the little moments.
Squat when you wash the dishes and lunge as you read the kids the bedtime story. A pumping playlist can go a long way. Try my TIFFXO Spotify playlist for some summer motivation!
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