Workout and Exercise Tips for Busy Mums

We all know that we should be setting aside at least half an hour each day for exercise but in reality, this can range from very difficult to virtually impossible. With a young family to look after and maybe work alongside this, you may have all but given up on the idea of snatching any significant time for a workout.

If you’re currently struggling to fit in any meaningful exercise around your family life, here is some good news! Even small amounts of physical activity count and can add up over the course of the day. Splitting your exercise into manageable chunks can actually be great for your fitness. Studies have suggested that women who do this are more inclined to keep up their exercise routine in the long run and because it’s easier to maintain this type of exercise plan, you’re less likely to feel guilty for skipping sessions. Basically, it’s much better to fit in short bursts of exercise throughout the day than to put in less effort on a more sporadic basis.

Not sure how best to go about this? Here are some easy ways to incorporate more physical activity into your day-to-day life.

Easy Ways to Fit in More Exercise

An effective exercise routine can take place in a matter of minutes – if it’s high intensity enough.

• Waiting for dinner to cook can be an ideal opportunity to slip in a bit of exercises such as lunges, squats, chair dips, push ups and standing hip extensions. If you prefer something more aerobic, you could do some running on the spot, jumping jacks or skipping. A pattern of 30 seconds of intense activity and 30 seconds of rest in between can work very well.

• Waiting for the kettle to boil for your next cup of coffee or tea is another great chance to cram a bit more exercise into your day. Even a minute’s worth of push ups or squats counts towards your goals and is far better than nothing.

• Managed to snatch a half hour for one of your favourite shows? Use it to sneak in a workout at the same time! Hop on an exercise bike or treadmill while you watch, run on the spot in front of the television in short bursts or just do some simple exercises.

• Even a spot of intensive housework can count if there is enough of it. Putting your all into vacuuming is a mini workout in itself, especially if you’ve got a few decent-sized rooms to tackle.

• Waiting for your child to come out of an appointment? Go for a short walk or jog to pass the time instead of sitting in the car.

This approach to exercise can be an easy but effective way to fit in mini workouts even when you are pushed for time and just don’t have the opportunity to accommodate a ‘traditional’ workout. Get into the habit of incorporating bits of exercise into your day whenever you get chance, with any lull or wait providing a great chance to slip in some activity.

How do you fit more exercise into your life when things get hectic?

This is an S2 POST.